Update Tuesday 5th January 2021

Dear Parents / Carers,

Following on from yesterday’s letter, I want to update you following the Government’s announcement yesterday evening. In line with new government guidance and level 5 restrictions, Cherry Oak will be closed to the majority of pupils. All pupils should remain at home wherever possible to lower and contain the spread of COVID-19. The school will now operate a rota system focusing on children of critical workers and those we define as extremely vulnerable. It’s important to note that not every pupil will receive a place. Pupils who do receive a place may only be offered limited days. The school can only run this way to make sure we only have small numbers of pupils on site due to risk management. Transport have also informed us that they can only transport a maximum of 2 children per bus which creates further logistical issues. If you feel you fall under the critical worker or vulnerable category and have not been contacted please get in touch with the school.

As I know you will appreciate, all schools are navigating last minute changes and all of our staff are working extremely hard to ensure all arrangements are being made in the best interest of our children. I also appreciate that our families are also dealing with very tricky and varying situations and with very short notice.

I want to reassure you that your child’s teacher will be in touch tomorrow with clear guidance regarding arrangements for remote / home learning provision which the school will be offering. Cherry Oak is committed to providing home learning to all of our pupils that will be remaining at home which includes:

A weekly timetable of online activities that have been tailored to suit the learning needs of different groups of pupils.
Cross Federation online sessions - Singing & Signing
A wide range of activities and opportunities that are fun and engaging for our home learners.
Where possible we will provide parents with a list of resources that should be easily found in the home, prior to each online session.
Each family will be provided with relevant resources for practical and creative activities relating to their individual learning packs. These packs will either be a more sensory approach or a more task based approach, depending on the needs of each individual.

We will be contacting parents regularly to offer support and to obtain feedback on the learning materials provided.

I understand that for some pupils and families’ home learning may not be a priority. It may be that you want to complete alternative activities to make sure children remain calm and lower any anxieties they may have. Our priority is our pupils’ well-being throughout this period and hence why home learning is not an expectation in which you are forced to complete, but rather an offer to parents to support their children’s learning. Our highest priority is that our families are happy, healthy and safe and we will work with parents to ensure this is maintained. We still desperately want our pupils to feel like they are part of the school community so please continue to at least engage with your class teacher throughout.

The leadership team and I, will continue to react to any further guidance issued by the Government during this period of level 5 lockdown. As and when I receive updates or amendments, I will inform you all of any relevant changes and I will continue to do this throughout January and February.

Thank you again for your support.

Yours sincerely

Ross Ashcroft

Headteacher

COVID-19:

If your child shows any of the symptoms; new persistent cough, high temperature or loss of taste/smell please ensure they get tested straight away. From the first sign of symptoms the whole household needs to self-isolate until a negative test has been received.