In the last week we have welcomed back more children to Cambridge Primary Education Trust (CPET) schools via a phased return approach, as well as continuing home learning for children who have not returned and remain at home. At the highest point we had 329 children across our schools, each allocated a ‘social bubble’ with a teacher and teaching assistant overseeing that bubble.

 

Firstly, we would like to say a big thank you to all our amazing staff who have supported our children and families, not just over the past week, but throughout the period of lockdown. It has been an extremely difficult and challenging time for everyone but their hard work, commitment, dedication, resilience and ongoing good humour has been quite remarkable. What has also been remarkable is the messages of support we have had from parents and carers. Our children have been absolutely fantastic and we are so very proud of them all.

 

We have left, and will continue to leave, no stone unturned in our attempts to create a safe environment for all in our schools. The Trust, and all our schools, have developed a robust risk assessment that has been personalised for each school. All of our schools have prepared their environments and updated their health and safety arrangements to ensure that two metre social distancing can be adhered to. All schools have also revised their cleaning arrangements and purchased PPE and additional cleaning products. The Trust has co-ordinated the central purchasing of PPE and cleaning products.

 

All schools have ensured that their staff are familiar with all new procedures and protocols. Those children in school are receiving a focussed curriculum which includes the core subjects as well as Personal Social Health Education (PSHE) and PE.  For those children who have yet to return to school, teachers have been providing work and having regular conversations with children and families. 

 

We very much hope that we will soon be able to see larger numbers of children returning to our schools, but this will only be the case when we have further updates to the government guidelines and, as a Trust, we deem it safe to do so following ongoing risk assessments. In the meantime, and in line with current guidance, we will continue to follow our existing course until the end of the summer term. This will include immediately isolating anyone (pupil or staff member) experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 and taking action with other members of our ‘bubbles’ in line with government guidance.

 

As always, we are here to listen to any concerns that parents and carers have regarding the further opening of schools. We are mindful that the picture is ever-changing, and last week the Prime Minister announced that the government would be doing a “huge amount of catch-up for pupils over the summer”.  As a Trust, we will reflect on any firm plans which are announced and update our communities thereafter.

 

We know that our communities are eager to know whether or not our schools will be back to ‘normal’ in September. Naturally, we all desperately miss the ‘buzz’ of day-to-day school life as we know it, but we appreciate your continued patience and understanding on this matter. It is not easy for any for us. However, the protection of our pupils, colleagues and their families is the single most important priority for the Trust.

                                                                                            

Lesley Birch                                                                John Frost

CEO/Executive Principal                                            Chair of Trustees

Cambridge Primary Education Trust