Letter to Head Teachers about Schools re-opening
Letter sent out to Head Teachers from Knowsley Council on the 12th May regarding the Re-opening of schools. Link to original
Dear Head Teacher, 12 May 2020
Prime Minister’s Announcement – Schools Re-opening
As you will know, the Prime Minister's statement on Sunday (10 May) referenced the possibility of schools re-opening, initially for certain year groups and as early as 1 June. Unfortunately the announcement was a statement with little detail which posed more questions and uncertainties around how this will be introduced and managed.
At this time, my message is nothing has changed. We are awaiting guidance from the Department for Education around how our schools can be opened in a phased and safe manner for everyone.
Until that guidance is received, we can’t speculate on what it contains and this will only lead to confusion.
Whilst I appreciate the current situation is frustrating, we need clarity in order to shape our plans and at the moment, we haven’t got that.
Once we have received further guidance, we will be able to work with all of our schools across the Borough, alongside our Trade Unions and Public Health colleagues, to ensure that any opening of our schools is done so following a phased and managed process which importantly ensure the safety of school staff and pupils.
All of our schools have responded admirably to the pandemic situation, demonstrating strong leadership, resilience and commitment to Knowsley’s children and their families. Over the last two months, it has been an extremely intense and uncertain time for everyone and you have also had the added pressure of managing emergency childcare demands, supporting pupils, parents and careers with home schooling whilst also dealing with countless enquiries during these challenging times. However, you have clearly reiterated that the needs of our children come first and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your staff for your response during these unprecedented times.
Once I have further details around our schools re-opening I will of course share.
Yours faithfully,
Colette Dutton
Executive Director – Children’s Services