Reopening of Schools

The week has seen many changes for us all as we move out of lockdown – for some of us changes will be welcomed and for some they will feel like too much too soon. The reopening of schools is currently subject to much debate with many divergent views being shared widely in the media; parents desperate to get back to normality, children keen to see their friends, unions protecting their workers, families anxious to protect loved ones and feeling it’s too early to widen their bubble. As we all find a way to navigate yet more uncharted waters I would ask you to be patient – we don’t have all the answers yet and when I have a firm plan of a possible school reopening I will share it with families. Our plans, following the advice of the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, will be safe, considered and controlled. We are of course working with colleagues in the Infants to ensure our plans to reopen are aligned to meet our particular circumstances and community; reopening at Strand may not look the same as reopening at Grove Park, Green Dragon, William Hogarth or Belmont – despite being geographical neighbours, our buildings, grounds, layouts and children are all very different. Bear with us – I am aiming to write to families on Tuesday with firm plans.