Dear Parent/Carer,
Firstly, thank you for your understanding, support and partnership working with early years settings and schools in what are clearly unprecedented times for everyone.
I would like to take this opportunity to share as much information as possible at this time and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
You may already be aware of the announcement from the First Minister of Scotland this afternoon that she is planning for schools and early years settings to close from Friday of this week.
There is no confirmation at this stage regarding the duration of the closure however please be assured that we will keep you informed. More information will be provided via established methods of communication including:
- School App from the school/ ECC that your child/children attend
- The East Ayrshire Council Website https://www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/coronavirus
- The EAC Stay Connected System https://eastayrshi.re/stayconnected
- East Ayrshire Council Twitter account (@eastayrshire)
- East Ayrshire Education Twitter account (@eaceducation)
Schools have been preparing resources, including digital resources via GLOW, for children and young people to access. With regards to pupils in S4, S5 and S6 who are due to complete National Qualification courses and examinations, we await further information from the Depute First Minister tomorrow and details will be provided to parents/carers as these emerge.
We would also advise that at this stage we are planning, with partners, to provide a service for children of parents who work for NHS essential services and emergency services. We will be in touch directly, in due course, in regards to detail and also where this support will be sited. Arrangements are also being prepared to ensure children and young people who are in receipt of free school meals will have access to these whilst schools are closed.
At this stage, can I thank you again for your understanding in these difficult circumstances and we will be in further contact as more details emerge.
Kindest regards
Linda McAulay-Griffiths
Head of Education
