Charlton School

Dear Parent / Carer,

We would like to thank you for the support you have shown Charlton through what has been arguably the most difficult period for education in recent history. The vast majority of students are engaging really well with their live lessons and coping incredibly well with the ever-changing circumstances which unfortunately remain out of our control. Sadly, it remains very unclear as to when a return to school for all students will be possible.

Our priority at this time is that students are safe and well and can continue to learn, there is a large amount of work going on behind the scenes to monitor student engagement and to support wellbeing. We have made over 40 home visits to students who are not routinely engaging with the home learning. Please remember we are always here to assist should you need any help with online learning or need any advice or support regarding your child’s mental health.

During this period of home learning, we have received some lovely letters, emails, and social media messages of thanks from parents for the support the school has shown for their child. Thank you to those of you who have taken the time to write to us, your messages of encouragement and thanks are appreciated, as we all face such difficult challenges.

We value all feedback from parents, and it was our intention to conduct a parent survey this half-term and so despite the lockdown, we would be grateful if you could take a few moments to fill in the questionnaire by following the link below. Please submit your responses by Friday 19^th February.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=2s8TOK9SpUy44yMVeXcKukUVAPHX4pVNshvCJ8oFcsFUMlBGRjQ0RFpGUUdHMU80VUc0OFNRV045Mi4u

As you will all be aware, examinations have once again been cancelled for this summer.  The DfE and Ofqual are currently holding a consultation on the awarding of grades.  This consultation ends on 29^th January and is open to all stakeholders in schools, including students and parents.  Further details can be found at the link below.  As soon as the outcomes of the consultation are known we will share further information with our Year 11 students and parents.

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-how-gcse-as-and-a-level-grades-should-be-awarded-in-summer-2021

As with many aspects of the Government response to Coronavirus, there has unfortunately been a u-turn on schools being able to undertake daily/serial testing for staff or students who become close contacts of a positive case. Following new advice from NHS Test and Trace and Public Health England (PHE), the DfE have temporarily paused the daily contact testing element of the testing programme, which was in place as an alternative to self-isolation for those who came into contact with positive cases in schools.  It will now be necessary again for all close contacts of a positive case to isolate for 10 days.

We are very proud of the efforts our students are making to not allow the lockdown to negatively impact on their education. Please do encourage your child to take a break this weekend, take time off their screens and whilst following the guidelines, get outside for some fresh air.

Yours faithfully

Mr A McNaughton

Principal