Dear Parents and Carers, 

I hope you are all well and staying safe. Thank you for your patience and support during these difficult times.  I apologise for the length of this message but there is so much information to share.  Please read it very carefully. 

As you will be aware from Government guidance we are now moving into their Phase 2 of the plans to re-open the nation safely. This includes trying to reopen schools to more pupils.  Blackburn with Darwen had looked at this and determined that they would not be ready to open schools on June 1^st however providing certain guidelines are met we may be able to open for limited numbers of children from June 8^th. 

This would mean that Longshaw Nursery School may be in a position to admit more pupils from our pre-school on June 8^th.  In order to help us to do this we are contacting parents individually to identify the number of places that are required.  This will then enable us to plan staffing levels which take into account social distancing requirements. 

To help you to make this difficult decision please note:

• There will be no consequences if you choose to keep your child at home for the remainder of the Summer Term.
• Parents who refuse a place to start on 8^th June WILL NOT be able to ask for a place in subsequent weeks due to staffing restrictions.  This will be reviewed on 22^nd June at the earliest.
• Initially, only Pre- School Nursery children (those due to start school in September)
• If anyone in your household has received a letter saying they are considered extremely clinically vulnerable, your child should not attend school. 
• If you child is clinically vulnerable you should seek medical advice to identify if it is safe for your child to attend. 
• The key word in all documentation is ‘phased’ return.  This means we will keep the children in nursery to a minimum for as long as possible.
• Siblings in other year groups cannot attend school during this ‘phased’ period.
• Nursery will be closed all day on Friday in order to carry out a deep clean of classrooms and corridors.

During this phased re-opening, Longshaw Nursery will not be like it was before the epidemic and this needs to be clearly explained to the children.  Listed below are some of the safety measures we plan to put into place.

• Staggered drop off and pick up times to minimise adult contact. Social distancing will be enforced
• A one way system will be in operation throughout nursery and the grounds
• Children will be placed into small groups of up to 16 children; this will not necessarily be with their friends, usual teacher or their usual classroom.  Once split they will stay only with their group
• Children will have their own set of stationery
• Children will be expected to come in fresh/clean clothes every day
• 30 Hour children- lunches will consist of a packed lunch and will be served in the classroom.
• Removal of unnecessary items from the classroom

We will contact other year groups once we have further guidance.

While the government is encouraging all children to attend school the final decision rests with you. We know it is a difficult decision to make and there is no right or wrong answer. Our primary objective, as always, is to ensure the safety of all children and adults who attend school.  We can do everything in our power to reduce the risks to children and staff posed by COVID 19 but we cannot eliminate them. 
 

If you have any further questions or queries after we have contacted you, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Take care and stay safe, 

Andrea Batley