Dear Parents/Carers,

As I am sure you are aware the government continues to issue updates leading to a phased easing of the current lockdown and schools are very much part of this process.

Our Governing Body met on June 9^th and decided to re-open Mapledown on a very limited basis from Monday June 15^th.

The school has written a Whole School Risk Assessment and reorganised the school to create small isolated ‘bubbles’ so that around 12 pupils can return. We will be training a small selection of staff into the ‘new normal’ this week and have contacted Transport and given them the names of those pupils who will re-start on Monday. This ‘first wave’ will test our new systems and provide useful information for a wider reopening whenever that might be.

All pupils in the first wave have ‘passed’ an Individual Risk Assessment and control measures are in place. The school kitchen is closed but we have ordered daily packed lunches.

As I write about 75% of families are choosing to keep children at home. Some families have asked for a school place but we were not able to safely do this at the present moment. We really don’t know when ‘wave two’ will start and it may not be until September. If you are thinking about sending your child back to school please contact the school office and we will add your name to our list.

Although we have done everything in our power to create a safe environment we cannot completely rule out risk. If the national picture improves then so can we, if infection rates rise then we could go back into lockdown. Our new arrangements are robust but they are not set in stone – this is a very fluid moment.

If you have any pressing questions or concerns please do not hesitate to get in touch and call me on 07804039804 – ‘Office Hours’ only please. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Stay safe.

The original letter from Steve Carroll is attached below: