Dear Parents and Carers

As you were informed yesterday school will close at 2.30pm tomorrow until further notice.

• We are still awaiting further guidance on the provision we are required to have in school for the children of ‘Key Workers’ and which workers are classified as ‘Key Workers'(this list has not yet been made available to schools from the Government). This will be childcare provision. I will upload a form to the website to be completed and returned to school tomorrow. This form can be obtained from the school office and must be returned tomorrow.
• The provision for vulnerable pupils has not as yet been fully defined but due to staffing levels we are not in a position to provide the 1:1 support currently accessed by some pupils. We will contact these families directly to discuss the options available to them
• The provision for those entitled to Free School Meals is also awaiting clarification but I have been informed that the kitchen should be open and that on Monday we will probably be providing Packed Lunch Meals for those currently entitled to Free School Meals. We will contact families directly to inform them of arrangements. We have not yet been informed how the FOOD VOUCHER SYSTEM will operate.

I apologise for the lack of clarity but can assure you that we are working hard to ensure, the support we provide initially, is feasible with the staffing levels we will have available in school. As time progresses this support may not be sustainable in St Matthew’s School and at this point the Local Authority (South Tyneside Council) may look to provide hubs where this support will be provided within the South Tyneside area.

‘Hebburn Helps’ Foodbank continues to offer urgent supplies to those in need and also requires support to keep their regular supplies of essential items in stock for those in need. Please consider supporting them during this very difficult time for us all.

All Church Services have been cancelled and this will most likely impact on the First Holy Communion Day this year. It will most probably be rearranged, once we have the all clear to resume our normal day to day living.

All members of the staff at St Matthew’s would like to assure you that they are committed to provide whatever is feasible during this challenging period to support our children and their families. However, it is also important to acknowledge that they too are members of families and that their health alongside the health of their family, has to be a major consideration when looking at school provision during this challenging period.

Thank you in anticipation of your cooperation.

God’s Blessings on you all.

Martin G Humble

Headteacher