Following a meeting convened by the Director of Education for RCT and Local Authority officers earlier today with all Headteachers, we wanted to update you on early arrangements for January 2021. This information will also have been distributed via Parent Mail but can be read in full, below:
Dear Parents and Carers,
Re: Arrangements for the return to school in January 2021
I wish to update you with outline plans for January 2021, as they stand at present. As with all plans, due to the impact of Covid and the ever-changing situation that we find ourselves in, these may be subject to change.
There is a planned change to the return to school date for learners in the new year as follows :-
- Monday January 4th and Tuesday 5th January 2021 will be Planning and Preparation days and school will be closed to all pupils
Welsh Government and Local Authorities have arranged these two Planning and Preparation Days to enable schools to review staffing levels following the Christmas break and to ascertain our capacity for welcoming all learners back to school safely. Risk assessments and arrangements for the new term will also be reviewed in the new year, alongside updating our blended learning offer.
It would be our intention to welcome all learners back to school on Wednesday 6th January 2021, should staffing levels be sufficient that it is safe to open school to all year groups.
If this is not the case, we will update parents at the earliest opportunity on Monday January 4th 2021. We would adopt a staggered return to school in these circumstances, prioritising examination year groups.
Provision for vulnerable learners to attend school from Wednesday January 6th will be in place if we are not able to accommodate all year groups safely. As you will be aware, we cannot predict how the next few weeks will be impacted by Covid and what the situation will be in the New Year. I thank you, in anticipation of your support and understanding, that at this point in time I cannot be more specific.
May I take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
I sincerely hope that you and your families stay safe and well and enjoy the festive break.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs. S Evans
Headteacher