18th December 2020

Dear Parents/Carers

I can’t quite believe that this is the last time I will write to you as Head of School. I would like to thank you for all the kind words, gestures and messages you have sent. I have been very honoured to have worked for the Federation of Cherry Oak School and Cherry Oak School since September 2010 and have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside incredible colleagues and working with your wonderful children. I would particularly like to thank you for the support you have given me and the school and ensured we have always worked together to achieve the best for our pupils. The last nine months have certainly presented a lot of challenges that none of us ever would have expected but the Cherry Oak community has worked together and I am very proud of the resilience the pupils and staff have shown.

Over the last few weeks I have been working closely with Ross Ashcroft, the new Head Teacher, to ensure a smooth handover. Ross is very much looking forward to starting in January. 

I do have to give one more message about COVID-19. As you can imagine school leaders must still be on standby for the first part of the holiday period. If your child develops any symptoms of COVID-19 then I would urge you to ensure they are tested straightaway. If you are in the unfortunate position that your child has a positive test and their symptoms developed before Monday 21st December then you must contact me to let me know and I will work with Public Health to identify the appropriate steps to take including identifying close contacts from school. If your child develops symptoms from Monday 21st December onwards then there is no need to contact me and you should just follow the advice from Public Health at the time. It is only necessary to identify close contacts up to 48 hours prior to the onset of symptoms. Please contact me at:

a.findlay@cherryoak.bham.sch.uk

Can I remind all parents that the first day after the break is a staff training day so school will be closed to pupils. All pupils (who are fit and well) will return to school on Tuesday 5th January 2021.

I hope that you all have a positive festive break and I really do hope that 2021 brings you all health and happiness.

Warm Regards

Amy Findlay

Head of School