For anyone interested in a course at Riseholme College, please see the details below.

The government has decided that: 

1.       Schools will remain open for pupils in the following categories: 

a.       Pupils with parents/carers who are key workers 

b.       Pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan 

c.       Pupils with a Social Worker. 

2.       Pupils who are not in these categories must remain at home with appropriate care. 

3.       Provision will be made to support pupils who are entitled to Free School Meals.  This does not include universal Free School Meals. 

4.      The Department for Education will not be going ahead with external exams and assessments this academic year. 

This is an emerging picture and we will all need to be patient while further details follow from the government in the coming days. 

I write to provide assurances that our individual academies are planning for the start of next week.  Please understand that: 

1.       A full and meaningful set of learning resources will be provided for pupils who are remaining at home. 

2.       Provision will be made for pupils who are in category 1 a, b and c above to attend school for the normal school hours.  A school meal will be provided.  For those pupils not on Free School Meals, a charge will be made. 

3.       All pupils who are entitled to Free School Meals are invited into the academies to collect their meal at a time specified by the academies.  Parents will need to inform the academies if their child is self-isolating and we will make alternative arrangements. 

4.      We will talk in detail with pupils in Y11 and Y13 who were expecting to be examined in May/June.  They will understandably be concerned about the announcement.  We do not have details yet, but we are confident that pupils will be able to progress successfully onto the next stage of their education.  We understand the true potential of our pupils and we are well placed to advise them, the university sector, Sixth Form tutors, employers and college staff on where and how they will flourish.  We will continue to work with pupils and families to ensure that they are well placed for their future.  It is easy to say, but please do not worry about this. 

5.      We acknowledge also that Y6 pupils will have been preparing for assessments and continue to ensure that they are ready for the next stage of their education.

We will keep you updated throughout the period of closure through our email/parent contact systems.  We will use our websites to provide general information.  In some cases, as advised by the government, we will make home visits to ensure the wellbeing and safeguarding of all those in our care.  Contact details are on our website pages.  

This is the biggest test that our country has faced in generations.  Our academies have always played an important role as places where pupils are educated, communities are supported, and the best of humanity is reflected.  We are determined that this will continue. 

At times such as this, we see the importance of our values; as such, we wish you and your families courage in your hearts, generosity in your spirit and wisdom in your judgements. 

Please understand that we are immensely proud of our pupils and will do whatever we can to help them at this time and into the future. 

From everyone at the Priory, our thoughts are with you. 

Further to the Trust’s most recent coronavirus (COVID-19) update, please see below the latest DfE guidance:

DfE general guidance for schools:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-educational-settings-about-covid-19/guidance-to-educational-settings-about-covid-19

Preventing the spread of infection

1. Section 3 of the above DfE guidance relates to preventing the spread of infection.  We thank staff, students, and parents for supporting our efforts to maintain hygiene standards. 
2. Our cleaning contractors and site staff are also responding to government guidelines to help us in this task.
3. The most important thing individuals can do to protect themselves is to wash their hands more often, for at least 20 seconds, with soap and water. Public Health England recommends that in addition to handwashing before eating, and after coughing and sneezing, everyone should also wash hands after using toilets and travelling on public transport.

DfE guidance for schools with specific reference to school trips:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-educational-settings-about-covid-19/covid-19-travel-guidance-for-the-education-sector

School trips abroad:

1. The DfE has advised against sending pupils abroad on school trips.  The Trust team is working with the academies and the various school travel companies to resolve all matters relating to foreign trips scheduled to take place in the current academic year. 

Domestic (UK and day visits) school trips and events:

1. The DfE is not currently advising against domestic school trips; we are reviewing the risk assessments of those that are taking place during the rest of the current academic year.  
2. Academies are reviewing their own programmes and will inform you as soon as possible if changes are to be made.
3. The priority in our decision making is that staff are in school to support the pupils and maintain operational effectiveness.

DfE guidance for those staying at home:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance

Further guidance

1. The government will now be holding daily press conferences and we will ensure that any consequent changes to the DfE website are communicated to you.
2. It should be noted that the self-isolation period has currently been reduced by the government from 14 days to 7 days.
3. It is important to note that the government has not announced plans for school closure. 
4. We are, however, mindful of the need to monitor the positions of our own academies and their individual ability to maintain organisational effectiveness.  Academies will do this daily and notify you directly if they need to make partial or more widespread changes to their educational provision.
5. The examination season begins next term.  Our exam officers have completed pupil entries and are in the process of completing seating plans.  Planning will continue.  We expect to receive further DfE guidance on this in the near future.

IT facilities:

1. In our secondary academies, the use of Citrix, SharePoint, Office 365, Outlook, academy websites, and a range of DfE and commercial revision packages will be central to high quality provision in the event of a need for pupils to work remotely at home. Pupils are already familiar with many remote applications that are currently in use.
2. Our secondary academies will provide guidance on how to work remotely should the need arise.
3. In our primary academies and our special academy, the Headteachers will communicate local arrangements with you directly.

Further communications:

The Trust will:

1. Continue to provide links to future DfE updates.
2. Notify you of any organisational changes it plans to make as a result of DfE guidance.

Finally:

Please do not hesitate to speak to academy staff if you have any concerns or observations - these are exceptional times and your views are valued.

We are grateful to parents and pupils for their continued support.

Mr R Reeve
Director of Welfare