Important Information for Parents

Dear Parent

As you are by now aware, the UK Government has raised the level of concern regarding COVID-19. We are receiving daily updates from the DfE regarding measures that are expected to be put into place during this time. While we have been following all of the advice provided by the DfE, NHS and Public Health Harrow, there is a possibility that schools may close nationally for a period of time.

In the meantime we are ceasing all non-essential trips and school experiences until further notice, all statutory curriculum activities e.g. swimming will continue until otherwise advised by the Local Authority and/or Department for Education. Whilst the school is open all extend hours provision e.g. Breakfast and After School Clubs, French, Chess, PSD and Computer Xplorers  will run as normal until we are advised otherwise.

If your child develops a fever or a persistent dry cough please follow government guidance and isolate them at home for 14 days whilst notifying the school that this is what is happening. Additionally, if anyone in your household develops symptoms please follow the guidance and isolate your child at home with the family for 14 days whilst notifying the school of your decision. If your child develops symptoms at school you will be contacted and asked to collect them. During this time they will be kept separate from the rest of the students within the school.

In order to be prepared, the school has been considering what we can do if the government decides to implement a school closure programme. We are mindful that this has the potential to cause some disruption to the learning of all students at Grimsdyke School so we will be providing a range of tasks for the students to engage with during this disruptive period. In addition to these tasks all students will be presented with activities through DB Primary, our online virtual learning platform. Unfortunately it is not possible to completely replicate the classroom learning environment, however the variety in the activities provided will ensure that learning can continue. If a school closure is implemented you will receive official confirmation via School Comms.

In addition to this, we are planning for classroom teachers to have a daily presence on DB Primary for your children to share some of their work and ask questions about the tasks set for them.

Please regularly check communications from the school, via School Comms emails and our website/ twitter feed as these will be our main avenues of keeping you informed of updates and developments. It is essential that parents ensure that they have shared up to date contact information with us in case of an emergency.

Finally, I wanted to thank you on behalf of the school for your understanding during this time of uncertainty. If you have any questions regarding this please come and speak with myself, Mr Tidd or Mrs Curry.

Kind regards

Mr Iain Sutherland

Headteacher

Grimsdyke School