Director's Message - 15th May 2020

Dear Colleagues,  

As you are aware the government is actively and regularly releasing new guidance to support schools with phased reopening, commencing from 1st June. I am in regular contact with the DfE and RSC's office to discuss their plans to ensure schools are supported. 

This is a fast changing position, with guidance for schools being published frequently, the most recent late last night for primary schools, offering practical support to schools to prepare for reopening.

Planning guide for primary schools  

To help schools navigate through the maze of guidance, working with SSPB, we have prepared Recovery Guidelines for Hillingdon Schools, which includes the key extracts from DfE guidance to date. Schools should use this document for reference and consider using the associated templates to support their planning and preparations for reopening.  But please do refer to the full published guidance if needed.  Further guidance is expected for EYFS, Secondary and Special Schools and we will bring these to your attention when released.

There are at present ongoing government and Trade Union discussions about the announcement that schools extend arrangements for opening from 1st June, and therefore there may be further changes that follow. If there are any further developments we will be sure to bring these to your attention as soon as possible.

I know that the matter of secondary school induction for Year 6 to Year 7 transition has been discussed with a number of head teachers recently.  This is referenced in the guidance for primary schools published last night, stating that induction visits to schools should not take place and remote induction should be considered (see section 11 in the guidance above).

Critical workers' guidance has been updated to reflect the change that all critical worker children should be encouraged back to school even if they can remain at home. 

The Overview of scientific advice and information has also been published.

As usual, all new and updated DfE guidance is available via our FAQs. 

Best wishes,

Dan