January 2021 return - update

You will undoubtedly be aware of the media announcements which have come from central government in the last few days. These were a little ambiguous, in the first instance, but have now been clarified by the Department for Education. As a result of the announcements, I am writing to clarify the updated situation regarding the return to Six Villages for your children as follows:

School Attendance

i. Monday 4 January 2021 remains a school INSET day. The academy will be closed to all students.

ii. Tuesday 5th January-Friday 8th January, the academy will provide on-site supervision for vulnerable students and the children of critical workers. Please ensure you have completed the form issued at the end of term prior to sending your child to school. Please note also that the canteen will be closed and students will need to bring their food and drink with them. Students will also need headphones.

iii. Monday 11th January-Friday 15th January, vulnerable students, the children of critical workers and Year 11 students will be in school (unless self-isolating).

iv. From 18th January, all students will attend school unless further announcements are made.

Remote Learning

We will set work on Satchel One for students to complete from Tuesday 5th January. As Year 11 will not now be in school this week, the delivery of live teaching will be prioritised for Year 11 students who will be sitting public examinations in a few months’ time. I will review remote learning provision during the week and hope to move to some live lessons for each year group from 11th January.

Clinically Extremely Vulnerable

Under Tier 4 national guidance, students deemed clinically extremely vulnerable are advised not to be in school. Children whose parents or carers are clinically extremely vulnerable can continue to go to school.

Lateral Flow Device Testing

There are considerable media announcements being made regarding the programme of ‘Lateral Flow Device’ testing for all secondary students who have the consent of their parents/carers. Please rest assured that I will keep you updated on our plans to safely conduct the tests and will write to you again with a link to a consent form which must be completed and submitted prior to any testing taking place.

Free School Meals

Vouchers will be emailed to eligible families.

I would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year. Let’s hope that 2021 brings much more normality back for us.

Mr P Slaughter, Principal