Letter from our Principal

Letter from Mr Atkinson 22102020

Dear Parent/Carer,

As you will know, South Yorkshire will move into Tier 3 from 00.01am on Saturday 24th October, reflecting the new tiered approach to COVID-19 protection measures.
We know that lots of parents have asked what this means for schools, and I wanted to write to confirm that we will continue to be open as normal this week, with school closed for half-term next week, and returning on 2nd November 2020. 

The Government has made clear that schools in Tier 3 should remain open and so your child should come into school as normal.
As you know, at Astrea Academy Woodfields, we have implemented a range of COVID-19 measures to ensure the school continues to be as safe as it can be. We continue to follow all Government guidelines and want to stress that the safety and wellbeing of children, families and staff will always be our first priority.

Face Coverings in School
In light of new Government guidance on the wearing of face coverings in secondary schools in regions under a Tier 2 or 3 COVID-19 alert, we have now updated our policy in this area.  All pupils, along with staff and visitors to the school are now be required to wear a face covering when moving around indoors. For example, when moving between lessons, or going to/from breaks; when queuing for lunch or the toilet; on their way into school and at home time.
Though we will have a small supply of face coverings available in school, I would appreciate your support in making sure your child has a face covering with them at all times. If this presents a difficulty, or you would like to discuss a medical or other condition that causes you concern, please do not hesitate to contact Rachel Higgins by email at rachel.higgins@astreawoodfields.org.
As now, it will not usually be necessary for your child, or their teacher, to wear a face covering in the classroom, due to the extensive range of protective measures we have already put in place. These include additional hand sanitising stations, more frequent cleaning, year group zones, seating plans, etc. 

What to do if your child has COVID-19 symptoms
As before, we ask that you only send your child into school if they are well. If they have any of the COVID-19 symptoms (a high temperature; a new, continuous cough; loss of taste or smell) they should not come into school and you should arrange for them to be tested.
Anyone coming into contact with someone with COVID-19 should self-isolate for 14 days.
As we approach the half-term break, I want to stress how impressed the whole team has been with all of our pupils – they have behaved responsibly and shown great maturity in following all the measures we have put in place. 

We will, of course, continue to keep these measures under review, and will continue to do everything possible to keep the school environment safe and supportive for all.
I understand that this is an unsettling time for everyone, and I’d like to thank all of our families for their ongoing support. As ever, please do get in in touch in the usual way if you have any questions. 

Yours sincerely,

Adam Atkinson Principal