19^th May 2020

Plans for a Phased Re-opening of Longshaw Nursery, Infant and Junior Schools

We hope that you and your families remain well during this challenging time. We would like to thank you for your patience and perseverance in caring for your children at home for such an extended period. Below are some details of our plans for the re-opening of all three schools over the next few weeks.

Recently the Prime Minister announced proposals for the re-opening of schools to some children from June 1^st, if it is deemed safe to do so. As you may have seen in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, Blackburn with Darwen Local Authority has produced a local plan for the phased re-opening of schools in the borough. This plan states:

‘As a borough we are supportive of proposals to extend opening of schools as soon as it is safe to do so, however;

• Public health is our first priority in all considerations concerning the further extension of school opening
• We are not yet satisfied that all of the Governments five tests, identified as prerequisites for easing of lockdown measures, have been met. 
• We are adopting a cautious approach to the extended opening of schools, based on a regular review of the emerging evidence and guidance
• The earliest date we therefore, feel able to prepare for extended opening of schools in Blackburn with Darwen is 8^thJune.  
• This date is subject to satisfactory progress being made against each of the Governments five tests, we will review the proposal date on a weekly basis.

When will my child return to school?

The local authority’s plan means that, providing scientific evidence supports it, 

• A phased return of Nursery and Reception children will begin on Monday 8^th June,
• A phased return of Year 1 children will begin on  Monday, 15^th June,
• A Phased return of Year 6 children will begin on Monday 22^nd June.

It is not yet decided when other year groups will return but ideally all children will be back at school as soon as it is safe for them to be there and social distancing measures can be implemented. We will send details of how children will return (staggered start and finishing times, social distancing measures etc.) in future notifications.

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 will do everything in our power to reduce the risks to children and staff posed by COVID 19 however we recognise that even with careful social distancing routines we cannot eliminate them therefore we will contact you before the phased return of each year group to ascertain if you will require a place for your child. 

School closure during the week commencing 25^th May.

As you know, since schools closed on March 22^nd all three Longshaw schools have remained open for the children of key workers and for those deemed ‘vulnerable.’ This continued throughout the normal Easter holiday period and the subsequent bank holiday.  In order to recognise the work of staff over this period and to allow for dedicated time to prepare the buildings for the necessary safety measures, the Longshaw schools will be closed to all children for the week beginning Monday 25^th May.

Key workers’ children and children deemed ‘vulnerable.’

Please note that children in these categories who have been attending school over the past few weeks will be able to continue to do so from Monday 1^st June. From that date children in Nursery will return to the Nursery School and children in years 3 to 6 will be cared for at Longshaw Community Junior School.

We understand that there is a lot of information to take in and some of you may have questions and concerns. Please contact Mrs Batley at Longshaw Community Infants School (01254 260534) or Mr. Hawthornthwaite at Longshaw Community Junior School (07955 823 958) if you would like to discuss these matters further.

We would like to again express our appreciation for your patience and our gratitude to those of you who have supported your children in engaging with the home learning they have been set. We hope you remain safe and that we can all return to normality as quickly as possible.

Best wishes

Mr. Hawthorthwaite               Mrs. Batley