Dear parents and carers,
As the new academic year approaches, we are writing to let you know about some of the work we have been doing with schools to prepare for pupils returning safely in September.
The disruption to the lives of our young people over the last few months has been challenging for everyone. We are all desperate to return to some sort of normality as soon as we can: getting our young people back into a routine of learning and giving them the best chance of reaching their potential in as safe a way as possible. It is absolutely crucial to your child’s future, so it is important that we all work together so they can get back to school.
We appreciate that you and your child may be anxious about a return to lessons, but we want to reassure you that all practical steps are being taken to make sure children are as safe as possible.
Schools have been working extremely hard, both before the end of term and during the summer holidays, to make sure the learning environment is as safe as it possibly can be when lessons resume.
An exhaustive risk assessment has been carried out by every school, covering as many scenarios as possible. We have asked that all schools make these risk assessments available on their school website.
In addition to pupils being taught in ‘bubbles’ to limit their exposure to other children, extra cleaning and sanitisation measures will be in place, along with social distancing measures where possible.
Schools have been working closely with our colleagues in Public Health to put in place systems and measures to contain the spread of coronavirus if a positive case is identified. We will continue to follow the advice of our Public Health officials.
We ask for your ongoing co-operation to help minimise the risk of bringing the virus in to school, particularly by encouraging your family to practise good hand hygiene, observe social distancing advice, proactive use of face coverings and observing the limits on households mixing. It is clear that keeping the rate of transmission low in the local community will keep schools as safe as possible.
If you or your child displays COVID-19 symptoms, it is essential that you book a test at www.nhs.uk and inform the school so that the appropriate procedures can be followed.
We are grateful to all the teachers, school staff and trade unions who have worked with us to help get our young people back to school as safely as possible. Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your patience and support during what has been an extraordinarily challenging period for everyone– it is very much appreciated, as is your support in ensuring children return to school.
More information and a list of Frequently Asked Questions can be found on our website at www.liverpool.gov.uk and www.liverpoolexpress.co.uk/backtoschool, but please contact your child’s school if you have questions about their specific arrangements.
Download: 25-08-2020 – Steve Reddy Return to School Letter (PDF)
