22nd May 2020
COVID-19 Update 22.5.20
Dear parents/carers
I hope you are all safe and well and enjoying the delightful weather we have been having recently. As you are aware, the government have put together a conditional, flexible plan for a phased return to school for some year groups and as long as the infection rate continues to decrease, we will be ready to open the door to our year six children from 9th June 2020. I have sent an email to all year six parents to explain how this will look and ask whether they intend for their child to attend. If you are a parent/carer of a year six child and haven’t received this email then please email me on head@germoe.cornwall.sch.uk as I may have an incorrect address for you. If you have received it and not yet replied, please could you do so at your earliest convenience so we are able to organise learning spaces based on actual pupil numbers as soon as possible.
Since the end of March, we have not been required to open to the children of keyworkers and vulnerable families as you have been managing to keep them at home, under government advice, where they are safest. However, should your child fall into this category then we will ensure there is a place for them if required. We have had to rethink and risk assess the provision for these children in the light of year six being present at the same time, as groups of children and staff will not be allowed to mix for fear of cross-contamination. It would be best practice for this provision to be based at one school rather than our original plan of one school being open on alternate weeks, so that children are not visiting more than one site. Due to the additional indoor and outdoor spaces, the hall, the extra toilet and washing facilities and separate office space, we have decided that Germoe School will be the allocated hub for keyworker and vulnerable children provision. Germoe School will be open from 0900-1530 Monday to Friday for keyworker/vulnerable children and this group will be located in the Y1/2 classroom. If your family falls into this category and you require a place then please email me for confirmation and to allow planning time and staff cover supervision. Year sixes will attend their own school and be with their own teacher and teaching assistant. Both schools will be closed to all pupils for the next 2 weeks, week 1 for half term and week 2 for staff training (INSET). I know by your comments and emails of appreciation that you will agree with me when I say that our wonderful staff have worked so hard and thoroughly deserve the break, as have you and your children.
Unfortunately, as we are officially closed for the next 2 weeks, we will not be issuing vouchers for free school meals. These will recommence week beginning 8thJune 2020. If this causes a major inconvenience to you and will leave you struggling to provide food for your child then please email me.
I am so pleased and extremely grateful for all of your input and engagement with online learning. Your engagement is more than double that of schools nationwide. Mrs Larcombe will continue to call and offer support to any families who are having difficulties. For those who have not engaged at all via our learning platforms, email or phone, we have been advised to follow the local authority protocols for “Children Missing in Education” as a duty of care to the family. This could lead to educational welfare intervention so please do get in touch, even if it is just to say hello and tell us you are doing fine.
Have a lovely break, let’s hope the sun continues to shine. If you need anything at all over the next couple of weeks then please email me and I will do my best to help.
Take care and stay safe
Paula Blackburn
