Dear Parents/Carers,

Autumn Term Return Date

I wanted to update you about the arrangements for the start of the new academic year 2020-2021. Currently, we are unable to determine what the Autumn term may look like at Oaklands and are still awaiting further advice from the Government. We open again on Tuesday 1st September, but at this point are still unable to determine whether this will be for all children or just some of the children. This is later than previously published term dates. The decision to delay the start of the school term has been made by the Local Authority, to enable schools in Leicester to plan for children to safely come back into school, putting in to place the practical measures that will be needed within the school building, and, preparing a different curriculum that ensures we respond appropriately and effectively to all children’s needs, many of whom may have been out of school for over five months. However, it is unclear yet what the Government guidance will be for children on site in September and what restrictions might still be in place, so we are unable to determine how many children we will be able to have in school each day from September 1st.

The steps being taken to ease lockdown in the UK are positive, although we still need to remain vigilant in our adherence to social distancing to prevent a second wave. We know that there are currently a high percentage of Covid 19 cases in and around Evington for example, and we must therefore ensure that we continue to minimise the risks for children and staff coming in to school both now and in September.

One thing we have all learned in recent weeks, is that guidance can change quite rapidly, and we will therefore be following Government advice closely before finalising our plans. We will, of course, keep you updated, and I would therefore ask you to keep a close eye on Weduc, the School website & your e-mails, particularly as we move into August. When plans are finalised, we will write to you again personally to communicate how we intend to open in September.

We all wish to see your children back at Oaklands as soon as possible, and appreciate that this has been a very difficult time. I will write again before the end of term, but for now, stay safe one and all.

Regards

Sarah

Sarah Osborne (Headteacher)