Coronavirus - Advice for Parents
Beginning of spring term 2021
January 7th 2021
Dear Parents and Carers
The situation has changed
Since my letter I sent to you on 31.12.20 with the timetable of school opening, the situation has changed quite considerably. In fact many times! It is now quite clear that we cannot have the whole school returning by 18.01.21 as originally planned, and instead will have to operate a partial opening system as we did in the summer term. This is because of the speed of infection from the new variant of the virus and that our school building cannot cater for 70 students, plus 40 staff, totalling 110 and provide a virus safe environment.
We have trained in Covid testing and conducted 52 tests so far. 100% negative results. We will test all staff and students weekly.
So, the new timetable starting 11.01.21 will be the following:
- Year 11 students: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (Wednesday is online learning at home)
- Year 10 students: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (Friday is online learning at home)
- Key worker students: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
These 3 groups of students already know when they are in school. In addition, a 4th group will be added week beginning 18.01.21
- Selected KS3 Vulnerable: Wednesday and Fridays
KS3 Form tutors will contact you if your son/daughter is in this group.
This will mean we will have 35 students in the school building.
The rest of the school population unfortunately will remain at home working online on GOOGLE CLASSROOM.
Laptops and Chrome books at home
Today we delivered 20 Chrome books for KS3 students to log onto GOOGLE CLASSROOM. This now means that every student at Batchwood School has their own device to complete school work at home either via a school laptop, school Chrome Book or own personal device. If anyone else needs a device, please contact me asap. We can address a few more shortages.
Conclusions
I really am very sorry about these changes. These are circumstances beyond everyone’s control. Please contact me if you want to ask questions/make any comments.
Jonathan Kemp
(Headteacher)
Download letter: Beginning of Spring term 2021 arrangements (revised) - pdf
Batchwood School Policies
Behaviour Policy Coronavirus Addendum
Changes and exceptions to our normal Behaviour Policy and Procedures
Behaviour_Policy_Coronavirus_Addendum.docx
COVID_19 Absence Information:
What to do in circumstances related to coronavirus
COVID_absence_information.docx
General Advice
Letter to parents and carers from Hertfordshire County Council about the latest lockdown measures:
Herts CC letter to parents 11.01.21
NHS letter to parents about Test and Trace and coronavirus symptoms:
NHS letter to parents 23.09.20
Get the latest NHS information and advice about coronavirus:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) - NHS
Leaflets from Stay Safe Hertfordshire:
Full details and general advice about Coronavirus can be found on the Public Health England website:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) - what you need to know