Updated 4 June 2020

As you will be aware, the government made a request for secondary schools to start reopening from 15 June. In preparing to re-open to more students, it is extremely important for us to get this right, with the safety of students and staff at the centre of our decisions.

We know that this will be a concerning time for you, so we want to reassure you that our plans will adhere to the government’s guidance, as well as local authority advice, and we have taken our own individual academy site into consideration. Over the last week, we have carried out risk assessments to ensure we can open safely – and we will continue to review these on an ongoing basis.

What does this mean?

Year 10 and 12 students
Based on our risk assessments, Diverse Academies Trustees have approved the wider opening of our academies to year 10 and 12 students, commencing 15 June. Initially, students in these year groups will be returning for pastoral care and face-to-face support to supplement remote learning – but please note, not all students will be in the academy at the same time. Further details of the specific arrangements will be sent separately to the parents/carers of students in these year groups.

All other year groups
At this time there are no plans to widen provision to other year groups. We will continue to keep you updated should the government issue new or further guidance.

Extracurricular activities
At the current time, we are unable to offer any before or after school extracurricular clubs or activities.

Children of keyworkers
We will continue to provide childcare for the children of keyworkers.

Support and home learning
We appreciate these plans may be different to other secondary schools, both locally and nationally, however it is important that the wider opening of our academy is done so based on our own risk assessments.

It is important to note that it is your right to continue to provide home education if you do not wish to send your children back into the academy – you will not be penalised or fined should you wish to keep them at home. We will respect whatever decision you make, in the interests of the health and safety of your family.

Our home learning provision will continue to support children and their families, as we have been during the period of partial closure.

Important updates to policies

We would also like to draw attention to three important documents which have also been approved by Trustees. Please ensure you take the time to read these:

Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy – Covid-19 appendix

Behaviour Policy – Covid-19 appendix

Privacy Notice – Covid-19 Track and Trace

As ever, we are here to support you in whatever way we can, so please get in touch if you have any questions or concerns. And finally, thank you again for your continued patience and your support of our academy.

Covid-19 School Risk Assessment Template