19th March 2020
School Closure
Dear Parents and Families
As we are sure you are aware the Covid-19 guidance for schools has moved on considerably. Over the next 2 days we are planning a phased shut down of the Newlands Primary site and our services.
In line with the guidance from the government, school will close from 3.15pm on Friday.
We would like to thank all of the parents and carers who have supported the school over the past couple of weeks during this difficult and uncertain period with encouraging words on the school gates, sending their children to school or indeed keeping them off if they were feeling unwell.
We are looking to keep core services available to children of those parents who fit specific criteria/categories as outlined by the government. We are expecting more information and clarification on Key Worker roles and vulnerable pupil definitions today. During Thursday and Friday of this week, we are looking to build a new school register based on these identified categories; other children cannot be admitted to school from Monday – sorry.
Our teachers plan meticulously for deep learning and our curriculum is available to view online on our website. Should you wish to continue working with your child from home, there are many websites available to explore on the class pages of the school website; please follow your usual strong parental supervision whilst your child is accessing any online materials. Every child in school on Friday will be given an exercise book and pencils to use at home if they wish. If your child is currently in school and you would like to have a paper work pack for them to take home on Friday, please call the school office and they will add you to their list for packs to be made. (If you are currently in self-isolation, it will not be possible to have paper work packs at this point.)
We understand that this is a worrying time for all families, but it is important that families continue to follow Public Health advice and if you should have any health worries, please go to 111 online in the first instance. Remember if you are self-isolating, you should not be leaving the house for a period of 14 days. Schools are closing to enable social distancing; therefore, you should keep your child at home during this period of closure.
Should you need to get hold of anyone at school over the closure period, please email the school at: info@newlandsprimary.co.uk. Staff will be checking this email daily, but may not be able to reply straightaway.
Should you have concerns for any child’s welfare or safety during the closure period, you can contact Southampton City Council Social Services on 023 8083 3336. You can also call the NSPCC Freephone Child Protection Helpline on 080 8800 5000. If you have immediate concern for a child’s safety Call 999 if it is an emergency.
We will send out any updates during the closure period via MarvellousMe and our Facebook page, or text message if needs be.
Thank you for your on-going support and stay safe. We hope to see you soon.
Karen Mellor
Headteacher