Unlockdown: welcome back Years 10 and 12!

The government acknowledges that the necessary five tests for easing the lockdown in England have now been met. As part of the country’s unlockdown plan, this week our CELT secondary academies were delighted to welcome Years 10 and 12 back to school.

Since the beginning of lockdown our CELT academies have been dedicated to delivering emergency provision, remote learning, centre-assessed grades, and preparing their school buildings to welcome back our students. Although we do not yet know what the national plan will look like in the longer term, we will continue to ensure that all our CELT students are able to learn effectively even if disruption continues, that they are brought back into school in a safe and timely manner, and that the impact of the disruptions to their education is recognised in our national assessment systems.

The risk of coronavirus to pupils in the classroom is “very, very small, but not zero”, according to sources in the government’s scientific advisory group, Sage. In line with government public safety guidance, there are number of measures our academies are putting in place to ensure the continued safety of our students and staff:

• Significantly reduced number of students in schools.
• Staggered timings to reduce contact.
• Temperature checks for students and staff entering the buildings.
• Students are taught in ‘bubbles’ of no more than 15, single classroom tables are arranged to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
• Separate meeting and departure points.
• Students to wear face coverings on school buses.
• Additional cleaning of surfaces and toilets throughout the day.
• Pastoral support for students in school.