Dear Parents and Carers

I am sure many of you will have seen the Prime Minister’s announcement on Sunday, in which he set out the next steps in the Government’s response to Coronavirus. Step 2 will see the phased re-opening of schools in June 2020, beginning in mainstream schools with children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6.  The situation for special schools is different, we ‘will work towards a phased return of more children and young people without a focus on specific year groups’(Actions for Education and Childcare Settings to Prepare for Wider Opening from 1^st June,  DfE 11^th May 2020).

The overriding consideration at Cleaswell Hill is one of safety.   Special schools are being asked by the DfE to use their judgement as to how many pupils can be safely catered for within their setting.   Over the next two weeks we will create a plan that prioritises attendance based on key transitions and the impact on life chances and development.  Due to minimising the level of risk across school I would expect we will increase the number of pupils gradually over June.  I expect that most of those pupils would also be attending on a part time basis.

There are many factors that need to be taken into consideration regarding increasing numbers of pupils in school, transport, social distancing, vulnerability of pupils, PPE and staffing are just some of the issues that need to be considered in order to reduce risk. As always, we will be guided by advice from Government and I am waiting for more detailed guidance and the impact it will have on our school.

I am aware that a lot of parents do not want their children to return to school until September.  To put your mind at ease, the DfE guidance does not indicate that attendance of special schools is mandatory at this point.

I will let you know the arrangements for the extended opening of Cleaswell Hill School in due course and ask for your patience during this time. In the meantime, our current arrangements remain.

Thank you for your continued support during this very challenging time and on behalf of the staff of Cleaswell Hill I wish you and your family the best of health.

Mike Jackson
(Head Teacher)