Important information about school closures
Last updated: 19 March 2020, 2.00pm
School Closure
You will be aware that the Government has announced that all schools in England will close from Friday 20 March until further notice, as part of the national strategy to control the spread of coronavirus. The vast majority of pupils are expected to remain at home during the closure period. This news is very sad but unavoidable at a time of national crisis.
We understand that the decision to close the school may be very upsetting for you and for your child. Your child’s safety and well-being are of the utmost importance to us. Please be reassured that we will do everything possible to maintain education during the period of closure. Staff are working hard to provide suitable work that can be completed at home for pupils in each year group. Your school will shortly provide the details.
Star Hubs
In response to the Government’s call for civic leadership, arrangements will be made for schools to accommodate vulnerable children and the children of key workers. Your child’s school will contact you with details about how these arrangements will work for those pupils who are eligible. The arrangements for these pupils, who are entitled to supervised study and activities in school, will continue during the school holidays.
Free school meals
Arrangements will be put in place to ensure that pupils who are eligible for free school meals continue to receive their entitlement. In the next few days, your school will communicate arrangements for the voucher scheme that we intend to operate.
Examinations
The public examinations scheduled for May and June 2020 have been cancelled. Year 6 pupils will not take Standard Assessment Tests (SATs). GCSE and A level examinations will not take place. This news will be devastating, particularly for our Year 11 and Year 13 pupils who have worked so hard for so long to achieve their qualifications, but cancellation is undoubtedly a decision that has been taken bravely in order to save lives.
The Government has provided assurance that they will work with schools, examination boards and Ofqual in order to ensure that pupils are not disadvantaged by these circumstances. We will provide further information to all parents and carers when there is more detail about how pupils’ achievements will be recognised. Your school will work with you to ensure that pupils who are planning to continue their education or training are supported with this transition. Many of our young people have already completed college or university applications and received offers of places.
We are very grateful to all of our parents and carers for continuing to work in partnership with your child’s school, particularly during the current very challenging times.
We hope that everyone in the Star family stays safe and well over the coming weeks.
Government guidance on vulnerable children and key workers
Last updated: 20 March 2020, 7.30am
Schools are being asked to continue to provide care for a limited number of children – children who are vulnerable and children whose parents are critical to the coronavirus response and cannot be safely cared for at home. The Government has published further details
Vulnerable children include children who are supported by social care, those with safeguarding and welfare needs, including child in need plans, on child protection plans, ‘looked after’ children, young carers, disabled children and those with education, health and care (EHC) plans.
Parents whose work is critical to the coronavirus response include those who work in health and social care and in other key sectors, such as education, transport and public services. Many parents working in these sectors may be able to ensure their child is kept at home. Every child who can be safely cared for at home should be.
The Government has published guidance for parents and carers on school closures: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers
Further information about the children that schools will continue to provide care for can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
Added By: Star Academies | Date Added: 19th Mar 2020 | Posted In: Latest News