SNMAT Letter To Parents

The following update, written by the CEO of SNMAT, has been sent out to our families today. It can also be found in the 'Letters' section of the website:

 

Dear Parents and Carers,

 

I am writing to give you a general update and also to share with you some of the challenges that lie ahead.

 

• Our risk assessments have been successful in keeping the overwhelming majority of academies and bubbles within them open to function in a ‘near-normal’ fashion. Staff and children have been exceptionally supportive of the new ways of working and I would like to thank all parents who have been very understanding in adapting to the new (and sometimes inconveniencing) systems. We are continually reviewing and tweaking these systems and looking for ways that we can work as safely as possible.

 

• You will be aware that the government has decided that all schools will remain fully open during the second lockdown. We are very keen to support this and will do all in our power to ensure continuity of service. I am sure that you understand that there may be occasions in the coming weeks where we will have no option but to partially close classes or bubbles in response to positive tests. We will continue to follow the advice of the health authorities and headteachers will ensure that you are kept fully informed. In the event of any class or bubble closure, systems are already in place to move quickly  to remote learning.

 

• Headteachers are already facing significant challenge with respect to staffing levels; academy staff are as susceptible as the rest of society to COVID-19 and the government has set out very clear quarantining / self-isolating guidelines to apply where this occurs. In addition, there are some staff who are classed as Clinically Exceptionally Vulnerable (CEV) and the government has advised anyone in this category to work at home. I would ask that you are patient with us if your child’s teacher, teachers or teaching assistants are not available because of a positive test or an instruction to self-isolate.  

 

Please take very good care of yourselves and your loved ones. Together, we will get through this situation keeping the very best interests of your children at the centre of all that we do.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

Chris Moodie

Chief Executive Officer, Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham Multi Academy Trust (SNMAT)