Headteacher’s Letter – 04.05.2020
I am writing with some updates from school. School will be closed to all students on Friday 8 May, the May Bank holiday. This means that the current skeleton service we have been providing will not be available. This service will however resume on Monday the 11th May, after the Bank holiday.
School re-opening
We are waiting for an announcement from Government with regard to arrangements for schools reopening and when. As you will know yourselves there is still no position on this. I do however think that clarity on this may emerge from the Government briefing next Sunday. If that does indeed happen, I will communicate with you again next week.
On-line learning
From Monday 4th May, teachers will be operating live lessons to support students further in their learning. The aim of these lessons is to provide guidance and instructions linked to students’ work and give them the opportunity to ask questions of their teacher and get feedback. Students should be logging on to their classrooms every day and we ask that you monitor this and ensure your child is doing this.
We have already sent an additional document outlining the protocols for safe online learning during these lessons. This has also been posted on the school website. Please read these carefully with your child to ensure that you and they understand the expectations we have in these live lessons.
https://www.stepneyallsaints.school/virtual-learning-guide-and-protocol-for-students-and-parents/
Free School Meals
We have adopted the government’s national voucher scheme for children eligible for free school meals (FSM). We are also providing meal options for staff and children who are in school, and free school meals for all eligible pupils in attendance. The new voucher scheme is helping children who are eligible for benefits-related FSM and are not currently in school. The national scheme is based on arrangements with a number of major supermarkets and the vouchers are for £15 per week per eligible child.
Exams
As you know the government has asked schools to provide centre assessment grades for their students. As I said before the Easter holidays, school is not required to set any additional work as part of this process. No student will be disadvantaged if they were not set, or were unable to complete, any work given out after schools were closed.
However it is important to remember that neither students nor parents should engage in any dialogue with school about this process. The Government has been very explicit about this and has told schools they must not discuss grades with students and parents.
As I did before the holiday, I am sending the detailed guidance on this and it can be assessed through the following links:
For students, parents and carers:
For students:
Please remember that school will close completely on Friday 8 May.
Take good care of yourselves, your family and your loved ones.
Kind regards
Paul Woods
Headteacher