Birkrig, Skelmersdale, Lancashire WN8 9BN.
www.bishopmartin.lancs.sch.uk Headteacher:
Telephone: 01695 724730.
Mr IJ McDonald
Headteacher ‘Tier 4’ Message to Parents/Carers Dear Parents/Carers, On Saturday, the Prime Minister announced that from this Thursday (5th November) the whole of England will enter ‘Tier 4’ of restrictions until 2 nd December at the earliest. While this affects the closure of certain shops, business and workplaces the Government have been very clear that: Schools should remain open at this time and attendance is compulsory for all children. I understand how anxious so many of us are at this time (as you know I am a parent of school aged children myself). However, I will never make promises I can’t keep and I cannot guarantee that there won’t be any further Positive Test results within school. This virus is present within the community of Skelmersdale and is spreading and any potential future positive tests results in school would result in a 14 day Isolation period for any who are identified as a ‘Close Contact’. I can only see this situation continuing for the foreseeable future and it is quite simply the sad reality of the conditions we are all facing and having to live/work under. Attending School I have to make parents aware of what the consequences could be if you electively choose to keep your children off school (and not as a result of any positive test contact). If you choose to keep your child off school:
You will not be eligible for any FSM Food Parcel (as your child should be in school having their dinner with their class/bubble) You will not receive additional Remote Learning materials (as the class teacher will be fully focussed on teaching the class in school, where your child should be attending) beyond what is already available on the Remote Learning section of the school website The absences will not be authorised and could lead to a referral to the Pupil Absence Support Team I do not want to cause any additional anxiety or upset to parents who are already worried. However, as Headteacher I must take the position that if your child is able to come to school, and there is no Positive Test affecting them that causes a 14 day Isolation then they SHOULD be attending. Wraparound Care Breakfast Club will remain open for working families and FSM pupils who require it during this period of ‘Tier 4’.