Headteacher: Mrs J Rowley BSc (Hons.) QTS, PGCE, N.P.Q.H.
St. Paul’s CE Primary School
Heathside Grove
Walkden
Manchester
M28 3NZ Tel: 0161 790 8915
Website: www.stpaulsce.co.uk Email: stpaulsheathside.ceprimaryschool@salford.gov.uk
Friday 20th March 2020
Dear Parent / Carer
Important information regarding pupil attendance – from Monday 23 March 2020
Firstly, thank you for the very supportive approach that you have taken during these exceptionally challenging times. We all need to do what we can to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. That is why the government has given clear guidance on self-isolation, household isolation and social distancing. The most recent scientific advice on how to further limit the spread of COVID-19 is clear. If children can now stay safely at home, they should, to limit the chance of the virus spreading.
It is important to underline that schools and colleges remain safe places for children. But the fewer children making the journey to school, and the fewer children in educational settings, the lower the risk that the virus can spread and infect vulnerable individuals in our society.
Whilst we are formally closed from Monday 23 March onwards, we will continue to support your child, both academically and pastorally and our school remains at the heart of our community.
Special opening from Monday 23 March for the children of key workers and those entitled to specialist support from 8.00am until 4.30pm (in the first instance). There will be no after-school Bright Stars wrap around care provision during this period.
Key workers
At midnight, the government published a list of those parent /carers who are entitled to send their child to school. The link below provides specific details.
The list includes the following: Health and Social care; education and childcare; key public services; local and national government; food and other necessary good; public safety and security; transport; utilities; communication and financial services.
We are grateful to all of these key workers who are looking after us all and keeping our essential services going. In return, our superb staff team are also going to ‘step up to the plate’ and provide provision for your child / children. It is critical to note, however, that this provision should only be taken up if there are no other alternatives (see guidance). The government has asked parents/carers to keep their children at home, wherever possible, and for schools to remain open only for children who absolutely need to attend:
Should you need to take up this provision, please contact us either today (Friday 20th March) or by Monday 23rd March. (stpaulsheathside.ceprimaryschool@salford.gov.uk 0161 790 8915/ 0161 921 1211).
Specialist Support Provision
Those children with safeguarding and welfare needs, including those children on child in need plans, on child protection plans, ‘looked after’ children, young carers, disabled children and those with Education Health and Care plans are also able to attend school and therefore school will be in touch with an offer of a place.
Free School Meals
All pupils whose parents/carers have registered to receive Free School Meals and have been in receipt of this at school will receive a text message. Pupils who are invited into school to attend the specialist provision will receive a Free School Meal as normal in school. However if you are not taking up the offer of a school place but you would still like to pick up a packed lunch at lunchtime then please also let us know.
Pupils who aren’t offered a place and therefore won’t be in school but who are eligible for a Free School Meal will be invited to pick up a ‘grab bag’ packed lunch from school to take home at lunchtime at 12.30pm. This will be the arrangement for at least the first few days next week until the Government launch its voucher scheme. Once this scheme is in place we envisage that all parents of pupils who have the Free School Meal entitlement will receive a meal voucher one way or another.
In order that we don’t waste valuable food at this critical time, it is crucial for the school that you let us know if you want to take up the offer or not of collecting a packed lunch at lunchtime.
St. Paul’s C of E School (Heathside Grove) will be closed to the majority of students but we are in no way closed in terms of our ongoing care, support and kindness.
Thank you for your continuing support.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs. J Rowley
Headteacher
St. Paul's C.E. Primary School
Heathside Grove
Walkden