Tuesday 8th December 2020
Dear Parents/Carers,
I hope you are well and your preparations for the festive season are going as well as they can in these challenging times.
Firstly, I would like to share the news that I will be leading Mead for the remainder of the academic year following Mrs Smith’s retirement later this month. Whilst I will predominantly be based at Mead, I will continue to support and work with Mrs Nicholls and the Broadford team.
Under normal circumstances, I would want to meet with both Broadford and Mead parents to formally introduce myself and understand more about our school communities. Sadly, this along with many other introductory plans to the children and staff are not possible at present.
Attached with this letter is a letter from the Local Authority regarding the Christmas holidays. Over the last week, the Local Authority held a series of discussions with the DfE regarding their concern over the final week of term which could potentially result in children and staff having to self-isolate over the Christmas period if a positive case was identified. Throughout their discussions, the DfE have been clear that schools must remain open until the final day of term (Friday 18th December).
If a child or member of staff tests positive for Covid-19 around the 11th December or after, this would have an impact on your holiday period, as bubbles would close for 14 days and children and staff would need to isolate for this period.
We are aware that a number of parents have expressed an interest in keeping their child/children away from school next week to ensure they have quarantined before meeting vulnerable family members over Christmas.
As you are aware we do not authorise planned pupil absence unless in exceptional circumstances. Following a discussion with the Chair of Governors, we both agree that if parents request to keep their child/ren at home for the final week of term (Monday 14th to Friday 18th December), to enable them to quarantine, this would be classed as an exceptional circumstance and would not be referred to Havering for fining.
Broadford and Mead will remain open as usual next week and we are looking forward to finishing our end of term learning and enjoying the christmas festivities. However, if you wish to quarantine your child/children, online learning will be provided. It is important that children continue with their learning if they are absent from school next week.
To assist with our planning for the end of term, please complete the Google questionnaire below by Thursday 10th December if you will not be sending your child/children into school next week.
Finally, can I take this opportunity to thank you for your support and understanding over the past months. This continues to be an incredibly challenging time for so many people and as parents, I know you have needed to quickly adapt to an ever changing situation which sadly, still has some way to go.
Take care and stay safe.
Mr Denchfield
Executive Headteacher
