Bunny

MESSAGE TO PARENTS AND CARERS. East Leake Academy, in a message to parents and carers, say they have been working hard to ensure they can safely widen the re-opening of the academy to more students and have been delighted to welcome back those in years 10 and 12 for face-to-face support in addition to their home learning.

Parents and carers have been told in a message from the Academy: “It has been so lovely to see these students and they have all been brilliant at adapting to the new arrangements and a different learning environment to the one they are used to.

“No doubt you will have also heard in the media, following the Prime Minister’s statement, that it is the government’s aim to see more children return to school. We are continuing to follow the government’s guidance, which requires that we limit the numbers of students in class ‘bubbles’.

“As a result, we are ensuring that we are safely maximising our capacity to allow as many of our students within those identified groups to attend, but unfortunately this cannot be widened to other year groups before the end of term. We appreciate that this may be disappointing to hear, however accommodating the existing groups has been challenging and we must continue to place the safety of both staff and students at the centre of our plans.

“We will of course do our very best to ensure that our remote learning provision remains as good as it can be in the meantime, although you may see some adaptations to this as we increase teaching on-site.

“As yet, we are not in a position to share detailed plans for September as we await further government guidance to inform this, however we will ensure that arrangements for transition provide the right support all our students.

“You may also be aware that the government has announced that additional funding will be provided to all schools in England to help put in place catch-up support for students where it is needed. We will be planning to ensure that this is used to the maximum benefit of students in the new academic year.”

The Academy says for those students receiving examination results this summer, it remains their intention to open up the academy to facilitate this – providing our normal support and guidance, alongside hoping to share in those special moments of celebration which mark the conclusion of such hard work.

“Throughout the lockdown, many children of keyworkers and other identified groups have benefited from attending the childcare provision. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our staff for supporting this wholeheartedly. Now that things are returning to a ‘new normal’, it has been agreed that childcare through the summer holidays will not be provided.”

The message ends: “If your child is a recipient of the free school meals scheme, we are pleased to advise that the voucher arrangements will continue throughout the summer break and our expectation is that these will be supplied through the same e-voucher scheme currently in place.”

KEEPING VILLAGE TIDY. Recently retired East Leake parish councils Amenities committer leader Coun. Mel Roper has given a warm message to thanks to ensure those residents who play a part in keeping the village looking tidy.

VILLAGE HALL MAY BE USED AS A SCHOOL ONCE MORE. According to how things work out as the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect thousands and thousands of people in the UK and hundreds more locally, the village school at Bunny may need to call on the former school to help out in provision of space and facilities for its students.

Head teacher of Bunny Primary School Mrs Georgina Anelay, has asked the parish council if the village hall - it was the school until 1968 – could be used if needed as an overflow building for the present school.

In her letter to the council the head teacher says they have remained open for Keyworkers and vulnerable children since the end of March and have recently welcomed children back from Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6. “As you may be aware there are various media reports of what schools will ‘look like’ in September. Under the current guidance, we will not be able to accept any other year groups and extend provision as we have run out of staff and space!”

Mrs Anelay did admit to the council that if the 2 metre distance rule is relaxed and the guidance changes we will be able to review the current plans and hopefully welcome more children back into the school building in September.

“I am writing to request the possible use of the village hall for educational purposes to help accommodate children in September if current social distancing rules apply. It may be that schools have to seek out additional buildings from September in order to welcome more children back into school.

“Obviously, the devil is in the detail so issues such as safeguarding, health and safety, insurance, risk assessments will all need to be looked at if necessary. Also, we would need to discuss any financial implications such as rent, electricity etc in due course.

Government guidance is ever-changing and the uncertainty around re-opening schools makes it difficult to plan. However, I feel it necessary and appropriate to prepare for additional building space as a contingency plan for September. I look forward to hearing from you.”

The parish council have agreed in principle to the request but says that actual details would not be put forward until it was known the hall was actually required.

Mrs Anelay has thanked the Bunny and Bradmore community for their support during the Covid-19 crisis. “Despite receiving endless emails from the DFE and Local Authority, my inbox has also contained messages of support from the local community and families we serve.

“Teachers have provided home learning opportunities for each child and I feel privileged to lead such a dedicated team throughout this period.

“Children have participated in Microsoft Teams calls with their teachers and friends and it has been amazing to hear of their efforts and achievements at home.”