Welcome

Hello everyone

Welcome again to Heads Up.

One of the challenges of writing an introduction in these unprecedentedly challenging times is the speed at which everything is changing. A weekly introduction could, ostensibly, be six days out of date before the next edition. Unexpected issues have come at us at a few points along our journey since schools were closed to most of our pupils. I have no doubt, either, that we will continue to need to be flexible and act safely as we move towards wider reopening.  

That is why I urge you to look at the daily briefings that you receive, where my team are responding and disseminating information as it comes through that day, to make sure that you have the most current picture in a form that is clearly understood. But there is one overriding message that will be consistent over the weeks ahead: return to schools and colleges will be phased and will be led by evidence and wise guidance.

As the Prime Minister said last night, the phased return to school will begin with pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6, if infection rates and the government's other tests at the time allow it. Secondary pupils facing exams next year would get some time with their teachers before the holidays. While, for many, discussions about reopening schools to some children will be encouraging and a sign that we are making progress in the fight against coronavirus, for others they will also create an anxiety about the safety of the children and the staff, as well as their households.

Professional associations are issuing advice to teachers and headteachers, outlining considerations regarding the health and safety, cleaning and maintenance and social distancing measures that need to be in place before pupils return. It is clear that the proposal to reopen schools to more pupils is still very much conditional on these criteria being met.

Be assured that, in our own Warwickshire education community, we will be supporting you at every stage. We are working closely with school consortium chairs, area representatives and trade unions on planning and support materials for the challenges posed by a phased return and recovery. These will be formally released after the national guidance has been published and considered. Our dedicated support for school leaders and helplines for parents and carers will continue to be available.

It’s striking how many key words begin with ‘co’ at this time.  As a counter to ‘coronavirus’ and ‘Covid-19’, we have collaboration, coherence, consistency, co-operation. These will be our watchwords as we ensure that the process to open schools more widely in Warwickshire is considered, measured and safe for everyone.

With best wishes, 

Ian Budd

Assistant Director for Education Services