What a remarkable week and what strange circumstances we find ourselves in. Our Headteachers, staff and pupils have responded magnificently to the challenges posed by the necessary decision to close schools and go into lockdown. This included rapidly organized leavers assemblies on Friday (which seems an age a go..) and the organization of a team of volunteers to deliver the emergency provision for vulnerable children and the children of key workers. That said we are all, especially our children, a little bewildered by the course of events and not yet through the first week of what is likely to be a long haul. Thank goodness the sun is shining at least.

Our Headteachers will meet via conference call on Thursday to review our provision and share ideas about how best to support our children, staff and parents during these unprecedented times. If anything good is to come out of the situation it has speeded up our plans for greater connectivity and provision of on-line materials and secured our spirit of collaboration, co-operation and innovation.

My key message to all our community is: follow the lockdown instructions in order to reduce the risk of infection and play our part in the national strategy to address the COVID 19 virus. Teachers and Heads will support families but parents and children should not try to do too much at home, please don’t feel guilty about engaging in projects and activities that are of personal interest. Children will not fall behind and teachers will adjust the curriculum when we return so our students will not be disadvantaged.

What a terrific response to the appeal for volunteers – I have joined the list to offer my services at weekends and I know many of our teachers have too. We will see the best of human nature and, unfortunately the worst but this moment will pass and we will be able to reflect that we pulled together to look after each other.

Our schools will provide advice and resources for parents via their website and our teachers will keep in touch with their pupils. I’ll post regular updates as we progress through this period of uncertainty.

Best wishes for good health and safety for you and your families.