School closure
On the 4th January 2021, the Government announced a national lockdown and stated that all children should be at home, if this is possible, until at least 15th February 2021. Avalon School does have some children attending; children whose parent carers are critical workers (key workers) and providing placements for children who are vulnerable. Risk assessments support those decisions. All school places we offer depend on week-by-week staff capacity. The fewer children making the journey to school, and the fewer children in educational settings, the lower the risk that the virus can spread and infect vulnerable individuals in wider society.
Some of our parent carers have their children at home. We want to do all we can to support our pupils and families. Every situation is different. Every pupil and their needs are different. We are offering the following bespoke support for all families:
Teachers can offer a range of things:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): what you need to do
For further information, please click here.
How are critical workers defined?
Children with a parent or carer who is listed on the government’s critical worker list should be considered for a school place, so long as their job cannot be done from home. Many parents working in these sectors will be able to ensure their child is kept at home. Every child who can be safely cared for at home should be, to limit the chance of the virus spreading.
Please see the list of critical workers here.
If you are a critical worker, please complete the Critical Worker Form below and return to the school.
How are vulnerable children defined?
Vulnerable children include those who have a social worker and those children and young people up to the age of 25 with education, health and care (EHC) plans. Many children and young people with EHC plans can safely remain at home. Children and young people who would be at significant risk if their education, health and care provision and placement did not continue, namely those who could not safely be supported at home will be prioritised. Looking after these children will enable schools to support the country during challenging times.
We will complete a risk assessment of each pupil, those identified as vulnerable will be offered provision.
How are Free School Meals (FSM) being provided?
Our catering team will continue to provide FSM to those accessing our school provision. All those not accessing school provision who are entitled to FSM (or accessing provision part time) will receive an electronic voucher for a local supermarket. This will be sent to families by email.
How is the school following safeguarding procedures in keeping children safe?
The school is currently operating in response to coronavirus (COVID-19) is fundamentally different to business as usual, however, a number of important safeguarding principles remain the same:
If you do want more advice in the meantime, as ever, please contact us.
Keep safe and stay at home.
Recovery Curriculum 2020
Providing Remote Educaiton - Information for Parents
COVID 19 - Operational Procedure (Update September 2020)
School closure arrangements for Safeguarding and Child Protection COVID-19
Behaviour Policy COVID-19
Critical Workers Booking Form
Consent Form for COVID-19 Mass Testing in Schools January 2021
COVID-19 Update Mass Testing Letter January 2021
COVID-19 Mass Testing Data Privacy Notice
Coronavirus Incubation Timeline
Click the following documents to view or download them:
Management of COVID-19 in school-age children Arabic
Management of COVID-19 in school-age children Lithuanian
Management of COVID-19 in school-age children Polish
Management of COVID-19 in school-age children Portuguese
Management of COVID-19 in school-age children Romanian
Management of COVID-19 in school-age children Thai