It’s come and gone! After all the preparation and stress and worry and everything, the first full week of school has gone very well. It’s been wonderful to see so many children in school and to hear children having fun – schools shouldn’t be silent places, they should be full of fun and laughter. And we’ve heard lots of that this week!

As you may have heard on the news today, Birmingham has had increased lockdown restrictions, along with Sandwell and Solihull. Whilst this isn’t affecting Dudley yet, there is a possibility that this may happen in the future. Obviously, we will keep you fully updated should things change. It is unlikely that school would be closed, but it may be that there are more children, and maybe staff, that have to self-isolate whilst waiting for test results. We are planning in advance for this, and preparing some home learning resources should they be needed. We don’t know what the future holds, but we are trying to cover all eventualities in advance so it’s not so much of a panic should anything happen! Not that we do panic in school, obviously…

You will have had a ParentMail today with a letter from Dudley LA. It is here also:

It’s important that parents and carers play their part to protect Dudley borough and avoid a local lockdown

Do not send children to school if they or any member of your household is displaying symptoms – a fever or new continuous cough or a change in or loss of taste and smell – stay at home and book a test.

Dudley council is aware of a national issue with testing, so we are asking only people who are symptomatic to book a test and to persevere in accessing the national website www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or calling 119 for an appointment at a local test centre or a home test. Guidance on isolating should be followed until a test is taken and a result is received.

Parents and carers are encouraged to visit the Dudley Council website for useful information and practical guidance.

We have also changed the times for drop-off and pick-up, from Monday. You will have received a ParentMail with the details, but a copy of the letter is here if want to read it again.

I hope you all have a great weekend, and we get some sunshine!

Take Care and Stay Safe

Mr Dunn