2^nd November 2020

Dear Parents and Carers,

I wanted to write to you as we start our second half term of this academic year to express my thanks for your support since our return to school at the beginning of September.

Despite the increase in cases of COVID-19 across the North East, including North Tyneside, we have fared relatively well as a school community.  We have had only four positive tests: two members of staff within the same bubble in Blue Zone at the beginning of September and just before half term, two pupils in a bubble in Red Zone.  Because all of those concerned contacted me promptly, I was immediately able to speak to all other staff and pupils who were close contacts and ask them to self- isolate.  I appreciate that self-isolation brings its challenges, but I am grateful for the way that you have all responded when I have spoken to you.

The Primary School have had a very similar number of positive cases, which means that in a very large building with over 650 pupils and staff, we have done incredibly well.

I’m sure that you will all have received the news that we are to enter a second national lockdown from Thursday with some trepidation.  Unless, we are told otherwise we will remain open to all pupils.  Only those pupils who need to self- isolate because they have been a close contact of a positive case need to stay at home.  Please be assured that we will continue with our rigorous attention to personal hygiene; all our pupils are excelling at washing their hands regularly, and Bob Craig and his team keep the building spotlessly clean.  Information about our COVID-19 risk assessment is on our website.

Should you have any worries or concerns re: attendance or ill-health or anything that arises as a result of the lockdown, please do not hesitate to contact either myself or Moira Banks (DHT) or our two Home School Link Workers: Tina Steele and Yvonne Manton.  All our contact details are on the school website.

With warmest best wishes,

Alison McAllister-Williams

Headteacher.