CV&CC Update Tues 26th May. Brief update statement from confused Principal (no change there, then….)

CoronaVirus & College Closure Update                              

Update 26^th May 2020

FROM THE PRINCIPAL…..

I am sorry to report that, if anything, the position is more contradictory than it was last Thursday (ie my last update).

• There is a clear general “easing of lockdown” nationally accompanied to an extent by more relaxed attitudes, but for schools there is an equally clear expectation (rightly, in my view) of maintaining the highest hygiene and social distancing standards.
• The Dominic Cummings issue adds complexity: at a time when the Government wants schools to encourage parents and carers to be positive about returning to school, it now seems acceptable for parents to follow “parental instinct” which could include ignoring Government expectations and schools’ encouragement.
• Guidance has changed. There are inconsistencies between Early Years, Primary and Secondary guidance issued. The idea of all of Year 6 being in school for a month has been dropped. It is recognised that secondary schools may not be able to open from 15^th

So, this is what we’re doing this week. 

• Waiting for the 3-week review on Thursday; waiting for any more clarity from Government, the teacher unions, and the scientific/medical community. The 3-week review will confirm (or otherwise) that the Government’s Five Tests for wider opening of schools have been met.

•  Contacting all parents/carers whose children are eligible for childcare to determine their intentions and plan for realistic and reasonably accurate numbers based on the requirement for strict hygiene, “bubbles” of children, and 2m social distancing.

• From this, determine the capacity for other students to scope out possibilities for Year 10. In another Government “small print” pronouncement since last Thursday, their estimate would be up to about 25% of the year group attending. It is also accepted that this will be far from “normal” teaching with a student’s regular teachers, and where possible will almost certainly require a rota (not permitted in Primary Schools).

• Preparing the site for an increasing number of “Bubbles”. These will be 11 students, in zones, who will not meet or mix with students in the other Bubbles. We will aim to keep the staffing consistent. Each Bubble will have its own computer room, base room, and toilets. We believe that we will need at least three Bubbles to cater for the increased number of students in ECP provision, and that this may increase.

• Writing risk assessments which will cover these preparations in more detail.

 1. NEW ITEMS

• The Trips and Visits summary has been updated (see below)
• We have at last received guidance on vocational qualifications, in our case BTec and CNAA. Essentially, it is exactly the same as GCSE and A-Level. My colleagues make a judgement on all work submitted and all other information as to a likely level and degree (ie Level 1 or 2, Pass, Merit, Distinction)
• Next week (w/b 1^st June) we will start uploading the grades to Exam Boards and Awarding bodies.
• The national debate about whether it is safe for students and staff to return to schools As I say above, we are planning gently with a notional 15^th June date in mind, but will make no big decisions until the week beginning 1^st June; we will have better government information, scientific data, and will seek the views of parents during that week.
• We are prioritising our ECP provision for key workers’ children and vulnerable children. Numbers are rising steadily. This will, of course, reduce our capacity for a future return to school this term.

2. SUMMARY OF CURRENT POSITION

•  Until 15^th June at least, there is no change to the existing position.
• We will “refresh” remote learning after half-term
• From 8^th June, Year 9 students will be taught in their Year 10 options classes
• We will (hopefully) know more after the Government 3-week review on Thursday 28^th

 3. COLLEGE CLOSURE MAIN POINTS

• Clyst Vale site is closed, except our Emergency Childcare Provision (ECP) for children of key workers and vulnerable children (and deliveries, essential contractors, etc) ·
• If you have any concerns about a student at Clyst Vale, please contact the school and ask to speak to a Designated Safeguarding Lead (Mr Sutton, Mrs Albutt, Miss McConnachie or Mr A Pearce). If this is not possible please contact MASH, The Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub: 0345 155 1071.

4. EMERGENCY CHILDCARE PROVISION (ECP) 

• We are fully committed to maintaining our offer to look after the children of key workers (secondary age group) and vulnerable students
• ECP will run daily Monday to Friday 08.30 – 17.00. Please contact us if you wish to discuss varying these hours (within reason) for individual children.

(If no children attend, the College will close at 12.00.)

• ECP has moved to a booking system. Places for the next day can be booked until 9.00 p.m. the night before (including Sunday, for Monday). Or phone the number which has been provided to ECP parents.
• School Transport is suspended. If you are a key worker and would like school transport, please contact on the day before you require transport.

5. REMOTE LEARNING

• Teachers are working from home to set work on the day your child would have their lesson. The activities set should take 2-3 hours in Year 7 rising to 3-4 in Year 10.
• Work will be assigned on Microsoft Teams and notified on students’ College e-mail accounts.

6. FREE SCHOOL MEALS (FSM)

• We joined the Edenred/Government scheme from 6^th
• If you have any queries about Free School Meals, please contact Racheal Long on .

7. PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS

• We have at last received guidance on vocational qualifications, in our case BTec and CNAA. Essentially, it is exactly the same as GCSE and A-Level. My colleagues make a judgement on all work submitted and all other information as to a likely level and degree (ie Level 1 or 2, Pass, Merit, Distinction)
• Next week (w/b 1^st June) we will start uploading the grades to Exam Boards and Awarding bodies.
• Exam Results Days have been confirmed as Thursday 13^th August for A-Level and AS (and presumably vocational Level 3 courses); Thursday 20^th August for GCSE (and vocational Level 1 & 2 courses).
• We cannot discuss predicted grades with students, parents or carers at any stage. This is prohibited in the guidance.

8. TRIPS AND VISITS (Updated 26^th May)

• My colleagues in Finance have worked hard and persistently to secure refunds from some reluctant companies, and have made good progress. Parents WILL be refunded in full for all payments made. Clearly, this is your money !

LINKS AND FURTHER INFORMATION

This is the Government’s guidance to parents:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers

The following link is the government’s advice to schools:

Guidance to Educational Settings About Covid-19

The next link is Devon County Council’s dedicated website for parents for Coronavirus advice

https://www.devon.gov.uk/document/schools-and-families/

Department for Education Coronavirus helpline:

Phone: 0800 046 8687  Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday)

Email:

There are hundreds of support agencies’ links I could list for mental health and on-line issues. Here are just four, but all are tried and tested.

• kooth.com has a load of information and on-line counselling; mainly mental health
• childline.org.uk 0800 1111 has been around for ages, but is still one of the best helplines
• thinkuknow.org.uk focusses on on-line issues including bullying, or messages that make you uncomfortable
• Young Devon (Google it) is web-based, and points you to a wide range of possible services

Should you have any specific queries regarding Covid-19 and Clyst Vale, please e-mail Mrs Ann Hopkins (College Manager) on .

Kevin Bawn, Principal