Welcome

And so, the story so far…. 

Schools aren’t closed – they are open for vulnerable children and the children of critical and key workers. Thank you. 

Since the beginning of the virus crisis school leaders have done some of the best, most important work with vulnerable children, the children of critical workers and with those who are at home. You have more than proved yourselves in crisis to be thoughtful community leaders by discerning and doing what is right for our communities. This comes from leading thoughtfully, calmly and communicating honestly.  

As half term rapidly approaches, schools have been asked to prepare to open their doors to more pupils, we know that at the forefront of every school leader’s mind is how they can ensure the safety and wellbeing of their pupils, staff and families. The government guidance issued at the beginning of the week raises lots of questions that I know you will be considering. The questions and feedback are being worked through nationally. We are also sharing local tools on risk assessment and planning that have been a wonderful collective effort to put together.  

What will this look like for your school? How can you achieve the suggested reduced teacher: pupil ratios? How can headteachers provide reassurance for parents and staff that it is safe to reopen for more pupils? 

We want to get this next transition right. To quote NAHT, ‘there is a difference between planning for a return and implementing a return.’ Planning is appropriately underway with a detailed risk assessment process to identify the steps that need to be taken to ensure that children, young people and staff are kept safe and well and parents have confidence in the plans. Governors will want to know that the plans take into account what is right for your pupils and your school.  Any phased return has to be managed with caution and care so that all necessary protective measures can be put in place. 

It is also key to remember is that any phased return is conditional on the five key tests: 

• NHS able to cope with demand for critical care and specialist treatment;
• Sustained and consistent fall in the daily death rate;
• Rate of infection is decreasing to manageable levels;
• Confidence that operational challenges such as testing and PPE can meet demand; and 
• Confidence that any adjustments will not risk a second peak of the virus.

In the meantime, we hold our principle of working together, supporting each other and holding the health, safety and wellbeing of our children, families, colleagues and communities at the fore. We have asked all headteachers and governors in Warwickshire to sign up to these principles. 

Speaking of supporting each other, kindness is a key theme of this edition - how can we help each other through the present challenges? The Mental Health Foundation is encouraging everyone to think about their mental wellbeing during Mental Health Awareness Week (18-24 May), with a particular focus on kindness. As we all know, giving and receiving kindness strengthens relationships and develops community, and with everything going on in the world right now, what better time to shine a light on the power of kindness and the impact that it can have on our state of mind and wellbeing. 

Even Warwickshire’s CEO, Monica Fogarty, has volunteered her time to read ‘Warwick Bear: Tooting Trucks and Busy Bikes’, the latest book to be created for Warwickshire County Council’s Road Safety Club, for a special online bedtime story. Move over Tom Hardy! 

Thank you once again for all you are doing to support children, young people and families in Warwickshire during this challenging time. Thank you for your resilience and professionalism, but also for your care, compassion and commitment, the human side of teaching that makes the job so rewarding. You may be aware of National Thank a Teacher day on 20 May, when children and parents are being encouraged to Thank a Teacher. Teachers have never been more deserving. Find out more at thankateacher.co.uk.

With best wishes, 

Ian Budd

Assistant Director for Education Services