Academy Arrangements: Monday 23 March - Friday 3 April 2020

Dear Parents and Carers,

Thank you very much for your continued support and understanding during these incredibly challenging times. Like you, we have been coming to terms with the significance of the announcement from the government regarding school closures at the end of the day today.

As a country, we all need to do what we can to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. That is why the government has given clear guidance on self-isolation, household isolation and social distancing. The most recent scientific advice from the government on how to further limit the spread of COVID-19 is clear. If children can stay safely at home, they should, to limit the chance of the virus spreading.

That is why the government has asked parents to keep their children at home, wherever possible, and asked schools to remain open only for those children who absolutely need to attend.

It is important to underline that schools, colleges and other educational establishments remain safe places for children. But the fewer children making the journey to school, and the fewer children in educational settings, the lower the risk that the virus can spread and infect vulnerable individuals in wider society. Schools are being asked to look after children of these families, where there is no other option, so that they can undertake their important work. If a child needs specialist support, is vulnerable or has a parent who is a critical worker, then educational provision will be available for them. The government says, 'this is an offer to parents and carers and there is no requirement for parents and carers to send their children to school if they do not need or wish to do so’. The full guidance from the Government is here. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers

Thank you to all those parents who have already completed the key worker form.  In the early hours of this morning the government produced their key worker list, which can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision

School day arrangements for Monday 23 March – Friday 3 April 2020. This applies to all students who will use PCSA and WCSA provision as described by the Department for Education.

·       All PCSA and WCSA students to arrive at PCSA for 9.00am start everyday between the above dates.

·       The start of the day will always be the PCSA Main Hall for registration and instructions for the day.

·       Lunch will be free for all students attending.

·       All students need to be off site by 3.00pm.

·       Students entitled to Free School Meals (FSM), not using the school provision, will be provided with a packed lunch daily from 12.00 – 12.30. Please report to Main Reception on arrival.

·       The students are not expected to wear school uniform and may use their mobile phones during social times. Students will be required to bring their PE kit with them.

·       Bakers Dolphin, who operate the school bus to Kewstoke / Sand Bay, will no longer be doing the usual pick ups due to the numbers of students changing on a daily basis. Please get in contact with us should you need this requirement, we can then contact Bakers Dolphin.

For the vast majority of children who will remain at home, learning packs and online resources have been produced which will be added to over the coming weeks.  The BBC are also providing more online resources for children to access.

We need the support of each other and our communities in these unprecedented times. Kindness is paramount and we really appreciate all of the messages of support we have received. We will continue to keep in touch through a weekly Friday communication with all and through our social media accounts.