Ribbleton Avenue Methodist Junior School

Coronavirus Update                    

Thursday 18^th March 2020 

Dear Parents/Carers,

Many of you will be aware that all schools will be closing from next week until further notice. The Government has asked that a school’s role now changes from Education to supporting Child Care through the Coronavirus period.

School will only remain open for the following children from Monday 23^rd March:

Opening times will be 8.00am to 4.15pm

FRONTLINE / ESSENTIAL KEY WORKERS are likely to be:

• NHS workers (including NHS students)
• Pharmacy workers
• Food delivery drivers
• Emergency Services (Police, Ambulance, Fire, Army)
• Supermarket/Food store workers
• Nursery staff
• Care Home workers for the elderly
• Prison Officers
• Probation workers
• Social Workers
• Family Support Workers
• School Staff
• Utilities workers (gas/water/electric)

This may be subject to change following further updates from the Government. A final list will be issued and put on the school website once school receives the official list.

If you fall into any of the above categories please contact school to enable us to plan ahead.

YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO SHOW PROOF THAT YOU WORK IN ONE OF THE LISTED PROFESSIONS. ACCEPTABLE PROOF OF PROFESSION COULD BE:

• An identity card from your place of work
• A copy of your contract of employment
• A letter from your employer (Letter headed or business stamped)
• Any other form of documentation that proves you are currently employed in one of the above categories.

If you are a frontline worker but your partner is not and they are at home, your children must stay at home.

We anticipate school will also stay open for the following groups.

This may be subject to change once school receives the official list:

• Children who have an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) or are in the process of an application
• Children who are on a safeguarding plan with Children’s Social Care with an assigned social worker.
• Children who are currently being supported by Children and Family Well Being Service
• Children who have an open CAF/TAF for family support based work
• Children who are entitled to Pupil Premium Grant

SCHOOL MEAL ARRANGEMENTS       

Meals will be given to children who are in school.

The Local Authority and Government are currently planning how families of Pupil Premium Children who are not in school will be supported in respect of a meal being provided. This may take the form of food vouchers or a food bank collection system. You will be informed when school receives further directives from the Local Authority.

YEAR SIX SATS EXAMS

The Government have announced that SATS exams will be cancelled this year.  We will update further according to any additional government information.

INHALERS

Please ensure your child has an up to date inhaler in school. Check expiry dates.

Please ensure we have your up-to-date contact details as all communications will be given via text message and the schools website: 

https://ribbletonavenue-jun.lancs.sch.uk/

The current isolation advice remains the same:

• If your child or a family member develops a persistent cough, sore throat and fever. The whole family must self-isolate for 14 days.
• If you are in contact with someone who has confirmed or suspected Coronavirus you should self-isolate for 14 days and inform school.
• If you, your child or a relative/friend has returned from overseas and will be having contact with you, please inform school.

We know that the measures schools are having to take will affect many families. We also know that you will understand why such actions are being taken. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation and look forward to the time we are able to resume normal school routines.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs F Nickson                    

Headteacher