Over the past two or three weeks we have been extremely busy preparing the school not only for wider opening but also for the return to school for every child in September. We want to get it right for everyone. Some newspapers are stating that the return in September will be compulsory for every child. We await the DfE guidance and I will of course let you know immediately. We still haven’t got a full complement of staff as three members of staff are shielding and therefore our capacity to welcome more children back into school in some year groups has been restricted but we have tried our very best for all of you. Our key focus for return between now and the end term (July 17^th) therefore has to stay as places for children of key workers and those with a social worker. If your employment status has changed just pick up the phone and let us know. We are nearly ready for the full return to school in September. Our learning bubbles have all been designed and created. We stay alert to the fact that COVID-19 is still in general circulation and we have COVID-19 safety checks twice a day to ensure Springbank remains a safe place for children and the staff to be. There have been no positive cases within our school population. Very pleasuring for all of us. We have decided that the best form of communication with parents/carers is a personal phone call from teachers or the teacher email facility. This will remain in place until the end of term and for the whole of the 2020-2021 academic year, as will our regular community visits. They have made such a difference.

In the next week we will be receiving the guidance from the DfE for the provision in September. Again, I will let you know straight away what we intend to do, and which teachers will be teaching which year group. As yet this is still unknown, but it will be approved at a governors’ meeting on July 14^th. Do bear in mind though that COVID-19 will probably be with us over the autumn and spring terms next year and there may have to be flexibility of staff where illness or self-isolation occurs. We will also be finding out more about the summer food scheme intended for all those who are eligible for Free School Meals. We will be directed from the DfE on the way to claim the vouchers for the 6-week summer holiday period. Remember if you are eligible to apply for Free School Meals, please do so. If you contact Mrs Roper, she will help you if you want to do this. Unless the Local Authority have not approved your eligibility, we cannot apply for the vouchers for you. Also, it is vital you let us know if you have changed your email address. Again, Mrs Roper is there for you. We are also very busy creating Google Classrooms so that if you or your child is ill, or your family has to self-isolate there will be lessons filmed by the teachers that you can access from home. We are taking part in a very exciting two-year project that a grant from the DfE has enabled us to start using a team of school specialists. If you have only queries/ need support for anything just pick up the phone. We are always here for you and will help you and your family whenever we can. Take great care all of you and keep as safe as you can.

With Warm Wishes… Julie Vaccari