4.1.21 School Opening, Critical Workers and School Closure
Dear Parent/Carer,
Our aim is to open school to all pupils as long as we able to keep everyone safe. However, we know that in some parts of the country primary schools are being closed due to the rapid spread of COVID19.
At the moment Mortimer Primary school will remain open to ALL pupils but if the virus continues to spread, a new lockdown is called or we have insufficient staff then we may need to make the decision to close the school. If this happens school will remain open for vulnerable pupils and the children of critical workers only.
In order to be fully prepared for this, we would ask that you complete the Google form if you are a Critical Worker and would require a place for your child in school. This would be Monday to Friday inclusive, but there is no guarantee of a place.
CRITICAL WORKER FORM
Please note that this is purely to aid any closure situation and is not an admission of closure. We are simply planning ahead.
Critical worker spaces may be limited so it is essential that forms are completed fully and by the deadline, if you think you fall into the category of a ‘critical worker’. You will be contacted by school if you have been allocated a place once the deadline is past (11/1/21). Parents and carers of vulnerable pupils will be contacted directly by school staff in the event of school closure.
The list of ‘critical workers’ was updated on 31/12/20 and can be found on the government website www.gov.uk. The list of workers includes:
· Health and Social care
· Education and childcare
· Key public services
· Local and National government
· Food and other necessary goods
· Public safety and national security
· Transport and border
· Utilities, communication and financial services
We want to see children in school, it is the best place for their learning and well-being however we may need to balance minimising the risk of transfer of COVID 19 and providing face to face education for all children. We will continue to put the Health and Safety of pupils and staff at the forefront of any decisions we make.
In the event of school closure,
Every child who can be safely cared for at home should be.
Parents of vulnerable pupils will be contacted directly regarding places in school.
Remote learning will be available for ALL pupils – staff will use Google Classroom, Tapestry or Class Dojo and the school website to make daily contact.
It is essential that emergency contact details are up to date for all pupils.
If your child has been in contact with a positive case they MUST isolate for ten days, they must not enter the school site. If your child is isolating or absent for any other reason please contact the school office so we can record the reason for their absence.
We request that adults wear a mask when picking up or dropping of their child to reduce the risk of transmission. It would also be of great benefit, if children from different year groups did not mix once out of school, especially in the school grounds.
Thank you for your continued support.
Yours faithfully,
Mrs Cunningham
Head Teacher
