Offer for: Critical workers and identified students

20th March 2020Ms E Roberts

On the evening of March 19th 2020 the government released the guidance on what they consider to be critical workers in this unprecedented crisis. Please see the list of all critical workers:

I do not want to close the school but the situation is clear, we must do all we can to halt the devastating effects of this virus.  To do this we must shut schools, but we must also aim to support key services so those who are sick or vulnerable may be supported.

We are pleased to see the government outline:

  1. If it is at all possible for children to be at home, then they should be.
  2. If a child needs specialist support, is vulnerable or has a parent who is a critical worker, then educational provision will be available for them.

If you are a critical worker and you need us to look after your child during the school day we will.  You can register your intent to take this offer by emailing office@heartlands.haringey.sch.uk However before you do so please consider:

  • If a two parent family or family with older siblings/members in the same household (who are well and can cope) can they care for children at home
  • Will you need this service every day if not let us know when you will need this service

We have contacted all the parents of those identified as vulnerable and we have been heartened by the sensible approach out parents are taking to, where they can, staying at home with their children as the guidance was clear ‘If it is at all possible for children to be at home, then they should be.’

These are decisions none of us are wanting to make but they must be made. If you would like to discuss this with me or a member of the Heartlands Leadership Team please do call today (20th March 2020).  We will be available from 2-4pm to answer your queries.

Best wishes to you all,

Mrs Roberts

 

 

Official closure letter and information

19th March 2020Ms E Roberts

Please read below a letter from Mrs Roberts outlining the details of the closure. Please email office@heartlands.haringey.sch.uk if your believe you are a key worker and you would like your child to come into school during the closure.

If you need a laptop, WiFi or any help with feeding your family we can help. This is not limited to children who normally receive free school meals. If you need help, please let us know.

Please check the letter below with care:

COVID-19 Update 18 March 2020: Updated at 6.30pm

18th March 2020Ms E Roberts

To all our Parents, Carers and Students,

In light of the announcements this evening regarding school closures from Monday I will ask you all to be patient and await a full communication from me and the governors tomorrow. I know you are all anxious but at the moment all we know is:

  • School will close to most students on Monday 23rd March 2020 for the an indefinite period
  • School will be open for all those with EHC plans and those with parents who are key workers
  • GCSE Exams in May and June are cancelled but we don’t know what they will be replaced with/how this will work
  • We will be issuing food vouchers to families in need

I am devastated at the prospect of shutting the doors of the school to most of our students.  However we have a good plan to offer a broad, well planned curriculum to students at home and have spent the last week looking at how we can support you all in making sure you the children continue to learn and are safe.  We know these are scary times. We are all doing our best to try and respond to an unprecedented situation.

Tomorrow we are staying open for years 7,10 and 11. We have had more staff isolate or fall ill today, to remain open we are collapsing classes and senior leaders are covering lessons where we can.  We will update you regarding the plan for Friday and if we are able to continue this level of service.

By tomorrow evening we will be ready to send out to parents and careers a letter and guidance outlining how and when we will set work for students during the full school closure which begins on Monday.

For all those students in self isolation or in years 8 or 9 they should be following the task grid we sent out earlier today and the advice on how to work at home.

Task grid self isolation and part closure COVID-19 2020

How to study at home absence advice

We will also begin to plan for what the offer will look like for those who will be offered schooling onsite from Monday.

Finally a huge thank you to the wonderful staff of Heartlands High School who are doing so much to reassure students, teach in increasingly difficult circumstances and plan for the impending closures. We are lucky to have such a wonderful staff.

I will be in touch tomorrow.

Thank you for all your support and well wishes. We are thinking of all our families at this difficult time.

Mrs Roberts

 

Advice and Guidance for Students Not at School – 18 March 2020

18th March 2020Ms E Roberts

As outlined in communication yesterday we have produced a guidance sheet for students working at home here:

How to study at home_absence advice (1)

We have also created a Task Grid for all learners to enable them to follow their normal timetable at home.

Task grid self isolation and part closure COVID-19 2020

Please read with care to be able to support your child.  If you have internet connectivity or access issues at home please contact the school office; we can help!

Please note: to access this work you MUST be logged onto your school google account.  If it prompts you to ‘request access’ and this is from your home email we can not share it with you.

Thank you

Mrs Roberts