2 April 2020

Dear Parents/Carers

Further update on 2020 exams - the latest news from Ofqual

At the time of writing nothing more has been received from Ofqual regarding more detailed information about the process and timetable which will apply this summer. It now seems very likely that this will not be published until after the Easter break. Whenever we do receive the details, we will forward it to you immediately.

Easter Holiday provision for children of Key Workers and Vulnerable Students

I can now confirm that our on-site provision will be open over the Easter holidays (closed on Good Friday and Bank Holiday Monday). I would like to acknowledge the fantastic response from staff in volunteering to run this provision during this period.

Update on national voucher scheme for schools providing free school meals

You may have seen details in recent days of the national voucher scheme for those entitled to free school meals. Schools across the country are having difficulty accessing the scheme and we are yet to receive full details from the Department for Education.

Based on the information we have received so far, we intend to continue with our plan to issue vouchers for the Coop which we feel is the supermarket best placed to serve most families in our community. Coop are not yet participating in the national scheme. Demand for vouchers has been high but we are expecting delivery of the vouchers we have ordered shortly. These vouchers will be issued to parents as soon as possible and will then be periodically topped up with funds by the school.

Packed lunches will continue to be prepared for collection until the end of this week and we hope to have the voucher programme up and running after the Easter break.

Guidance for parents and carers: keeping children safe online

I thought you might like to see the government’s updated information for parents and carers on keeping children safe online. Full details can be found in section 6.3 of the guidance for parents and carers on the closure of educational settings:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers   Thank you for your continued support and your positive feedback on how the College is handling the current situation.