We have proudly remained open for the whole of the crisis, since the start, and provided comprehensive remote learning and support when year groups have isolated or when parents have decided it is better for them not to attend. We would like to thank all our amazing families for their support over what has been a really challenging time for us all. We know it is not over yet, but we are pleased to confirm that in line with national expectations the school is anticipating that all young people will be on site and not learning in any remote fashion as of 8th March. Remote learning (zoom sessions, online classrooms, home visits and drop offs) will therefore not operate and will be put in place only on a case by case basis when a child is having to self-isolate.
What are we doing to keep everyone safe?
We are still doing temperature and well-being tests on arrival
As of the 8th March both staff and students will be asked to rapid flow test daily rather than weekly.
Staff will continue to wear full PPE - masks, face shield and then further gloves/aprons as the tasks require
We strongly encourage students to wear masks. Windows are open across the school, and are opened fully during lunch and walk times to 'flush' through air. Students are asked to keep as far apart from eachother as possible. Sadly some of our wider holistic practices such as Indian Head Massage can't currently take place and sessions like cooking are still reduced.
Each work station has hand gel and regular handwashing with soap is encouraged.
There is still increased intensive cleaning and all staff are 'cleaning as we go'
Due to the need to provide more close-contact and intimate care to some students a large number of our staff have been elligible to be vaccinated
There is never a 100% guarantee of safety, but our risks are statistically much lower than in the settings where they are seeing a rapid spread; we are not a large secondary school where teenagers gather at bus stops before arrival or are in year group bubbles of 50 - 200 students. Our young people are less likely to socialise in large groups at parks etc outside of school as they prefer small select groups of friends, and due to their needs our parents know where they are and are often supervising. Whilst our building is small, our student numbers are very very small so we can keep our young people apart. The majority of our young people do not want to get physically close to eachother as due to sensory needs they prefer to maintain a distance.
If the situation changes I will of course alter this statement, but at the moment I would strongly urge and encourage you to send your young person to school - they need the educational, anxiety and therapeutic services we offer so very badly. Their mental well-being is paramount, and we want to maintain their programmes in person as much as possible.
With all good wishes,
Bev White (Proprietor)