Letter from the chief education officer 24.10.20

Dear parent/carer,

I hope you and your family continue to be well.

Following the latest Welsh Government announcement regarding the Firebreak measures for Wales that start on Friday 23rd October I am writing to clarify what this means for children and young people in Caerphilly County Borough.

Arrangements are different for primary and secondary phases, but all pupils in receipt of free school meals will receive deliveries throughout half term.

Catering services will resume in all schools from the 2nd November 2020.

Pupils in receipt of free school meals in Years 9 and above will have a delivery this week. (Monday 2nd – Friday 6th November). Those in Years 7 and 8 will receive their meals in school during this week.

Monday 2nd – Friday 6th November

Primary schools, Trinity Fields and Glan-y-nant Learning Centre pupils

These schools will be open to all pupils throughout the week and current arrangements, including transport, apply.

Secondary school pupils

Secondary schools will be open as usual to all pupils in Years 7 and 8 and current arrangements, including transport, will apply.

Pupils in Specialist Resource Bases in secondary schools will also be able to attend.

Secondary school pupils in Years 9 and above will be learning from home and will be provided with tasks from the school.

If your child is due to sit an exam in this week, school will be in touch to confirm arrangements.

Latest guidance – update

It is very important that all of us comply with the latest guidance from Welsh Government (see link below) and Aneurin Bevan Health Board.

Schools: coronavirus firebreak guidance https://gov.wales/schoolscoronavirus-firebreak-guidance

Secondary schools continue to reinforce the importance of the use of face coverings and our strong recommendation that they should be worn where social distancing of 2m is not possible and on school transport. Please remind and encourage your child to wear them in these circumstances. However, please be mindful that some pupils cannot wear face coverings due to medical or other personal reasons.

This guidance, together with other recommended measures, will continue to be embedded within the school day, alongside educating pupils on the virus and encouraging them to stay safe and well in this pandemic.

We are requesting that you, as parents and carers, also observe and reinforce the guidance with your children and work with us to help to reduce the spread of the virus within the county borough.

We ask that everyone follows the social distancing guidance when picking up and/or collecting pupils from school, and at bus stops whilst waiting for school transport.

If you have any concerns please contact the school in the first instance, so that the headteacher has an opportunity to respond. Should a resolution not be possible, please follow the School Complaints Procedure which is available directly from your school.

These unprecedented times continue to be very challenging for all of us, and schools are doing their best to provide continued learning provision at the same time as keeping your children safe in a constantly changing environment.

I would like to thank you all for your support, particularly in relation to children who are asked to self-isolate as a precaution. I understand that this is something that can be difficult to manage and your patience and understanding is very much appreciated.

Wishing you and your family a safe and refreshing half term.

Regards

Keri Cole

Chief Education Officer