08 Oct Proposal to change the school week
Dear Parents
Our efforts to keep the school safe from covid-19 are working well. Hand-washing throughout the day is now an essential part of the childrens’ routine. The children are staying in bubbles to reduce the amount of social contact. A cleaner is now employed during the day to frequently sanitise handrails, door handles etc. I am really pleased with the way that parents are socially-distancing when dropping off and collecting.
The bubbles are not perfect because senior staff have to work across bubbles to release teachers for planning and preparation time. This is not ideal. To help solve the problem, the government has given schools the ability to temporarily vary the school day to reduce transmission of the virus.
The most effective solution would be to close the school after lunch on Friday. This time would be used by teachers for planning and preparation without bubbles being an issue. The school would run clubs for the children of working parents who would be able to collect their children at the usual time. These clubs would be part of the existing bubbles to ensure consistency.
The children would get the same amount of teaching time as before. Many children already come into school at 8.45 and start work straight away. We would also slightly shorten lunchtime to make up the rest of the time.
Children would take homework home on a Friday. They could do this on Friday afternoon or at a time more convenient to you.
Summary
- School would close after lunch on Friday for a trial period from after half term
- Children would have lunch at school before leaving. There would be staggered departure times for each bubble as there is currently. Exact timings will follow shortly.
- Children would be taught for the same amount of time, but over four and a half days rather than five.
- Children of working parents would be offered clubs in their bubble
Feedback
I would like to hear your views on the proposal. Please email the school or talk to one of the senior leaders when dropping off or picking up.