Dear Parent/Guardian,

Re: Coronavirus/ COVID19 Update

I write to update you on how we intend to respond to the unfolding situation regarding the Coronavirus outbreak, following last night’s announcements that all schools will close from Monday 23rd March 2020. The Secretary of State’s speech can be accessed here:
https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2020-03-18/debates/FCD4DEB2-86A8-4F95-8EB8-D0EF4C752D7D/EducationalSettings

We have been instructed to close our schools to almost all children until further notice, however, we are asked to stay open for the children of key workers (e.g. NHS staff, Police, other in frontline services) and children with certain needs. We are waiting for more detail to what that actually means, but all other children will need to stay at home and so, we ask that you do not send your child into school from Monday.

Your school’s Headteacher will contact you tomorrow with more specific details for home learning or access to school and school meals. Please note that this is a national closure, as reported in the news, so whilst it is an extremely challenging situation for us all, we are not alone. We will re-open as soon as we can and will let you know this as soon as possible. Regular updates will be available through the websites. Please bear in mind that the situation is changing all the time and this may be a lengthy closure, we simply do not know at this point.

Your child’s learning is of course important to us, so we will provide access to a range of resources during the closure period. We will make communication as easy as we can and try to provide you with clear guidance on what is expected by when in order to keep your child’s learning moving forward to ensure that they are not disadvantaged on their return.

If your child receives free school meals, we will be in touch with more information about how we will continue to offer a service through a support scheme just announced by government office. School trips and events are cancelled and we will assist wherever possible through insurance to limit any impact on you, but this may take some time.

You will have heard that tests and exams have been postponed. We will do everything in our power to ensure that children are supported in accessing their next steps in their education. Please do not worry unduly at this stage. We expect to hear today about alternative plans, but we will be urging pupils to do whatever they can through the closure period to keep up with their studies in readiness for that. You have our utmost support and commitment in this endeavour.

I would like to thank you for your patience and support at this most difficult time.
The most important thing is that we look after each other as much as possible and stay safe and well where possible. Should you have any questions do not hesitate to contact school in the normal way or email ‘enquiries@omegamat.co.uk’.
Yours sincerely,

Jon Wright
Chief Executive Officer,
Omega Multi-Academy Trust.