Letter from Chief Education Officer 12.2.21

Dear Parent/Carer,

As you will know, Welsh Government has announced that all pupils in Foundation Phase (3-7years old) will be able to return to school by Friday, 26th February, 2021. I am sure your schools have already been in touch with details of specific dates and times. Arrangements will vary between schools, due to the requirements of individual site risk assessments. This transition week will also mean a possible reduction in the remote learning offer, as staff focus on supporting children to return in the classroom.

Headteachers and school staff will be working very hard to adapt practices and procedures on school site, to further minimise contact between ‘bubbles’ within school. It is now more important than ever that we continue to follow the Public Health Wales guidance, e.g. frequent washing of hands. You will also see school staff wearing face coverings now, as advised.

You can all help too by; 

• wearing a face covering at the school gate and on the school site; 

• socially distancing; 

• only bringing and collecting children to and from school from your own household (unless you are a childminder or part of a support bubble); 

• keeping your children at home when they are unwell and taking them for a Covid test if they develop symptoms.

You may also be aware that staff on school sites have been offered the opportunity to participate in twice-weekly testing. This will sometimes mean that classes will be required to self-isolate whilst the test result is confirmed by a formal test.

Catering

Week beginning 22nd February, 2021.

All pupils in school will be required to bring a packed lunch and FSM deliveries will continue.

From 1st March, 2021.

Catering services will resume for all pupils in schools offering foundation phase education. FSM deliveries for all other pupils will continue.

Milk and fruit provision will begin as soon as possible for pupils in the foundation phase.

As this return begins, we are all acutely aware of the need to ensure that we do all we can to continue to make the school environment as safe as possible. We all have our part to play.

I am sure that we will work together to achieve a successful return to school. Headteachers and the school community have been working incredibly hard to provide both learning on site for identified groups, and remotely for those at home. They are now also very busy preparing for the wider return.

Finally, thank you for the way in which you have supported your children to engage with their learning and for the many positive comments you have made. As always, if you have any concerns in regard to your children’s learning, please contact the school in the first instance.

Yours sincerely,

Keri Cole Chief Education Officer,

Caerphilly County Borough Council