Dear Parents and Carers

Due to the unrealistic timescales we have been asked to work to, it is no longer possible for St Matthew’s to open on Monday 23 March 2020. We will not be operating any provision for vulnerable children, key workers’ children or those on Free School Meals. It is our intention to start this limited provision on Tuesday 24 March 2020.

Please be mindful that the government are saying

“Many parents working in these critical sectors may be able to ensure their child is kept at home. Every child who can be safely cared for at home should be. This is an offer to parents and carers and there is no requirement for parents and carers to send their children to school if they do not need or wish to do so.”

The guidance I have received as a school leader advises, ‘what is of critical importance right now is clarity to parents – that the school will close this evening and not reopen on Monday, and that the school will contact parents directly if they are to be offered a place within the reduced provision. Schools will move quickly, but at a pace to avoid chaos and confusion. Hence the need for some breathing space to implement this restricted and reduced provision.

I must also stress that the Government advice (contained within their advice issued this morning) is that parents should keep their children at home, wherever possible and that they’ve asked schools to remain open only for those children who absolutely need to attend.

Yours sincerely

Martin G Humble

Headteacher