Update on Plans for Re-Opening

Thank you for the messages of support that many of you have been sending in to our academies, this is appreciated by all of our staff.

There has been an enormous amount of media attention on the re-opening of educational settings, and we would like to update you on the next steps for Q3 Academies Trust.

As you will be aware, we have been providing on-site education for some children, including those of key workers. This has continued alongside the distance learning materials provided for children who are working from home. Our staff have also maintained regular communication with families to ensure the safety and well-being of our children.

Initially, we informed you that there would be a phased return for Years 10 and 12 students on 8th June. This has now moved to Monday 15th June following the latest government advice.

We have worked with trade unions and our staff to prepare a thorough risk assessment in advance of increased numbers of staff and students returning to our academies. We have followed the Department for Education’s (DfE) advice and guidance on effective infection control as detailed below:

• minimising contact with individuals who are unwell by ensuring that those who have Coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms, or who have someone in their household who does, do not attend our academies;
• cleaning hands more often than usual – washing hands thoroughly for 20 seconds with running water and soap and drying them thoroughly, or using alcohol hand rub or sanitiser ensuring that all parts of the hand are covered;
• ensuring good respiratory hygiene by promoting the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach;
• cleaning frequently touched surfaces often using standard products, such as detergents and bleach;
• minimising contact and mixing by altering, as much as possible, the environment (such as the layout of Learning Rooms) and timetables (such as staggered break times). 

Each of our academies will provide further details in advance of 15th June. These will include the timetable, expectations relating to behaviour, Business Dress, lunch arrangements, travel to and from the Academy, and other information including drop-off and collection of your children. 

We recognise that the re-opening of our academies may be challenging for families, our students, and our staff, but please be assured that we will do all that we can to ease the transition back to some form of normality. Our Heads of School and their teams have been constantly reviewing their plans to ensure the best possible provision whilst maintaining a safe environment for students and staff. The health and well-being of our students and staff is key to all decisions that we take, and we would value any feedback that you have either in advance or when your children have returned.

Thank you in advance of your support.

Dr C Badyal

Chief Executive