Welcoming our children back to school
When the Government made the decision to close schools in March and only open to a small number of key worker and vulnerable children, this was done with the aim of reducing transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19), to protect the NHS and save lives. As the situation improved, more children were welcomed back from the 1 June. Now, the circumstances have changed. The prevalence of coronavirus (COVID-19) has decreased, the NHS Test and Trace system is up and running and schools are clear about the measures that need to be in place to create safer environments for our children.
Returning to school is vital for children’s education and for their wellbeing. Time out of school is detrimental for children’s cognitive and academic development, particularly for disadvantaged children. This impact can affect both current levels of learning and children’s future ability to learn. The risk to children themselves of becoming severely ill from coronavirus (COVID-19) is very low and there are negative health impacts of being out of school.
The Government now feel that given the improved position, the balance of risk is now overwhelmingly in favour of children returning to school. For the vast majority of children, the benefits of being back in school far outweigh the very low risk from coronavirus (COVID-19).
What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
What to do if - a COVID-19 Refernce guide for Parents and School Staff
Protective Measures and Risk Management:
COVID-19 School Risk Assessment September 2020
National Restrictions – 5th November 2020
On Thursday 5 November national restrictions replaced the Local Covid Alert Level measures.
The new measures will apply nationally for four weeks up to Wednesday 2 December. At the end of that period, we will return to a regional approach, based on the latest data.
COVID-19 National Restrictions Risk Assessment November 2020
North Yorkshire Local Restriction Tier System – Tier 2
The local restriction tier system will be in place from Wednesday 2 December 2020.
NATIONAL LOCKDOWN – 5TH JANUARY 2021
Primary Schools will remain open only for vulnerable children and the children of critical workers. All other children will learn remotely until February half term.
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE DURING NATIONAL LOCKDOWN JAN 2021 RISK ASSESSMENT
DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION CORONAVIRUS GENERAL HELPLINE
DfE launched a helpline to answer questions about COVID-19 related to education and social care.
Staff, parents and young people can contact the helpline as follows:
Phone: 0800 046 8687
Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday), 10am to 4pm (Saturday and Sunday)
NORTH YORKSHIRE LOCAL AUTHORITY – GENERAL QUERIES
Parents/Carers – please contact your educational provider.
If your query is in regard to critical worker provision please email us at the address below, including details of your contact details, educational setting, days required and or any issues you with to raise.