School Closure, home learning activities and continuation of Free School Meals Service
Friday 20th March 2020
Dear Parents and Carers
It is with sadness that we are having to close our doors to the majority of pupils today until further notice. We will continue to keep in touch with you via the School Gateway App and website during the closure and hope that things will return to normal as soon as possible. However, we must all do what we can to fight the virus and ensure that the vulnerable in our society are protected by limiting social interactions. We understand that school closure is an important part of this process.
Your child’s education is, to us, equally important and we have put some materials onto our school website to keep them busy over the next week or so. Click on the Children tab then Home learning to access class pages, a video resource library and blog. We will be adding to these materials regularly. Class blogs have been set up for pupils in Year 3 – Year 6 so that they can contact teachers with any issues relating to the work. Pupils in EYFS, Year 1 and Year 2 should focus on daily phonics, reading, writing and maths activities and enjoy family time together. We have also provided materials and ideas for these pupils and will continue to update class pages with ideas and useful links.
I think it is important to also point out that the small number of pupils who will be accessing the emergency child-care provision will not be being taught during this time and will be expected to keep up with schoolwork during the periods when they are at home.
If your child in in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 or is generally is receipt of Free School Meals this service will still be available to you. Packed lunches will be prepared and available for you to pick up from 11:30am each day starting from Monday. Please let us know if you intend to make use of this service so that we are not preparing lunches which may go to waste. You can let us know by email info@balliolprimary.co.uk or telephone call on Monday morning 0191 8142500.
May I take this opportunity to wish you and all of your family members the very best of health and some lovely family times during the school closure.
We look forward to seeing you all again as soon as possible.
Kind regards
Mrs Driver