UPDATE 20.03.20 2.00pm

Dear Parents
I wanted to share some advice with you for the coming weeks which I hope is helpful as we now move to such an unusual situation in our school. As we all know all schools will now close today for ‘business as normal’ for an indefinite period.
Today’s assemblies: I have met with all our students today to guide them on our expectations of them over the coming weeks. My assembly was quite hard hitting as I reinforced the need to support the government drive to keep socially apart to prevent this infection spreading as detailed below:
DfE: We all need to do what we can to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. That is why the government has given clear guidance on self-isolation, household isolation and social distancing. The most recent scientific advice on how to further limit the spread of COVID-19 is clear. If children can now stay safely at home, they should, to limit the chance of the virus spreading.
I never really expected to be doing assemblies that would raise anxiety but wanted to reinforce the dangers and urged them to follow the guidance from the government. I apologise if this has caused some upset but we are trying to prepare our youngsters for the difficult times ahead.
Expectations regarding work: I have asked students to try to establish some routine as a ‘home learner’ over the coming weeks. I want them to do some of the work routinely that staff are setting to keep their minds active and engaged with learning. Staff will respond to any emails wherever possible to provide feedback, reassurance and praise as students do complete work.
It is also key that they do some physical activity every day even if housebound and there are activities that all students can do in ‘Show My Homework’ as well as many other national initiatives. Please also encourage your son or daughter to read for pleasure. This will help enhance their vocabulary as well as being enjoyable and relaxing.
The idea would be, where this is practically possible, to do at least three learning sessions of approximately 45 minutes, to spend time being physically active and to devote time to reading each day. Please be reassured that staff will do whatever they can to sustain continuity with learning over time as long as they personally are well enough to do so.
Over the coming weeks we will start to outline our plans for our return to school, whenever this is, to rebuild Bramhall and prepare our students to recommence their studies in a positive and supportive manner.
The uncertain future: Following a conversation with our Chair of Governors I have promised to be here in Autumn if needed to help rebuild our school as I feel I cannot just leave the school in the current situation. In whatever capacity needed I will work with the Governors and the team to get us ‘back to normal’ as soon as we possibly can.

Take care of yourselves

Lynne Fox