Dear Parent/Carer
As you will be aware, the Scottish Government made some changes to plans for the re-opening of schools in January just after the end of term in December. Further changes were made yesterday. I am writing to update you on how these decisions affect you and your child(ren).
Extension to School Holiday and Remote Learning
The Scottish Government has decided that the school holiday period will be extended until Monday 11 January 2021. All school pupils will start remote learning and teaching on Monday 11 January and this will last until Friday 29 January, subject to further review by the Scottish Government. We will contact you again about remote learning by Friday of this week.
Nursery (Early Learning and Childcare) can open to children of key workers and vulnerable children only until 18 January. You will be updated on arrangements for after this date when further guidance is received from the Scottish Government.
Free School Meals
If your child is entitled to free school meals, the direct payments made to you over the holiday period will continue. This will initially be up to Friday 15 January 2021, and you will be updated on arrangements for the rest of the period of remote learning.
Children of Key Workers and Vulnerable Children
Separate arrangements have been made for children of key workers and vulnerable children from tomorrow (Wednesday 6 January 2021), as required by the Scottish Government. Children of key workers who have requested a place, and received confirmation that a place is available, can attend their school or nursery (early learning and childcare) from Wednesday 6 January. Vulnerable children can also attend their school or nursery (early learning and childcare) from Wednesday 6 January, but only if they are contacted by their school or nursery (early learning and childcare) and offered a place.
From Wednesday 6 January to Friday 8 January, schools will provide childcare and wellbeing support only. From Monday 11 January to Friday 29 January, schools will provide in-person learning and teaching for vulnerable children and the children of key workers. Normal school hours will apply, and breakfast clubs will operate. School transport will run as normal, unless parents/carers are contacted and informed of revised arrangements. Catering will be provided for children attending school and nursery (early learning and childcare) as normal and free school meals provided to those entitled.
If you have not received confirmation of a ‘key worker’ place, or been contacted by your school to offer a place to your child, your child must not attend school or nursery (early learning and childcare).
Further Updates
We will continue to keep you updated with information when it is available.
I understand that the changes to school and nursery provision and the short notice are challenging for you, and all members of the school community to deal with. I would like to reassure you that all of the staff at St Joseph’s will continue to support the learning and wellbeing of all pupils during the next few weeks.
Yours sincerely
Mrs F A Burns
