13th May 2020

Dear Parents and Carers

As you will be aware, over the last few days the government has started to consider the steps it will take to slowly move the country out of ‘lockdown’. Although little was said about secondary schools, Boris Johnson made clear that he would expect Year 10s and Year 12s to have some form of face-to-face contact before the end of the summer term. There was no mention of other year groups, and therefore it appears that we won’t see a formal return to school of these classes this term.

The Prime Minister focused on Year 10 and 12 as both these year groups will be sitting important exams next Summer, and therefore they are a priority.  While we continue to focus our efforts on all our students, we agree that it very important that these year groups do not fall too far behind.  We are therefore developing plans for a partial opening for Year 10 and 12 in some capacity. We will not rush into this and, of course, at the forefront of our planning will be the health and safety of our students and staff.  Therefore, we will be considering all options:  smaller groups to allow for social distancing, staggered attendance, additional hygiene practices and more.  

As soon as we are able, we will be in touch with our thoughts on how this could work, and will welcome your feedback.  To reiterate, the health and safety of our staff, students and families will be our absolute priority.                                                      

In the meantime, the school remains closed to all but children of key workers and a small number of others. Our teachers will continue to set work on Google Classroom which should be attempted each day.  Those without IT access are being sent home a weekly work pack.  Our tutors and pastoral team are monitoring all students to ensure that they are accessing and submitting work, while our inclusion team are working hard to ensure that families in need are supported.   

If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us via your child’s tutor or the office email (office@oaksparkhigh.org.uk). If you are struggling in any way, please let us know and we will do our best to help you.

Once again, thank you very much to you for all you are doing to support your child, and the school, at this extraordinary time.

Yours faithfully

Mr A Amin
Headteacher