Dear Parent/Carer,
I am sure that you will have seen items in the news about discussions that are taking place between teaching unions, the government and scientific advisors about the safety of re-opening schools after the Christmas break in light of the current rise in Coronavirus cases.
Primary schools are still waiting for more detailed information about the risk of transmission of the virus in their settings from the Department of Education. As a consequence, discussions have been held this morning with governors and senior leaders, who have decided on a temporary school closure.
From Tuesday 5th January to Friday 8th January the school will be open only for the children of Key Workers and Vulnerable Children. All other children will be provided with remote learning from Wednesday 6th January to enable them to work from home. This will be reviewed at the end of the week and you will be informed of any changes on Friday. However, it is likely that school may remain closed until Friday 15th January, with the children returning on Monday 18th.
I am sorry that this information has come at such short notice but I am sure you will appreciate how quickly circumstances have changed over the past two weeks; it is not a decision that has been taken lightly.
This link provides information about Key Worker groups and Vulnerable children. As in the first lockdown to be eligible for Key Worker childcare, parents must be Key Workers and have no other support bubble or childcare option.
If you are a Key Worker and you meet the criteria for a childcare place; please email the school at sherburnprimary@durhamlearning.net to let us know which day or days that you require childcare. We will then be back in touch with you this afternoon to confirm that your child has a place. Please could you also let us know if your child requires a school dinner.
Yours sincerely,
S Cornforth
Headteacher