Mr Spanswick's Words Summer 8
Dear Parents and Guardians
It has been a bit of an unusual week.
Strange weather, an eerie return to premier league football, mysterious technology U-turns on track and trace analysis, curious rumblings from sports governing bodies referencing coaching strategies at grass roots level for children, and confusion emanating from the Department for Education….. Year 8 can come back to school if they are in a prep/middle school, but not if they are in a senior school? I understand the reasons why, Year 8 being the equivalent to Year 6 in these schools in that it is their final year, but it does not make it any easier for our parents who are in their second term as teachers trying to balance their child's curriculum content, their own work, and teenagers who want to see their friends.
The good news amidst all the slightly confusing national debate is that we are delighted to open the whole of our Junior school from next Monday (22 June). While this is happening, I am still frustrated for all our families with children in Senior school and our Senior teaching staff, that individual school settings at Senior level do not have the autonomy to allow a considered number of pupils to attend school, if they wish to, to support their learning. Seeing our Year 10 and 12 pupils return in small groups this week has been wonderful.
The Principals and I are working around the clock with the Independent Schools Association (ISA) and other educational organisations to challenge the current restrictions so we can offer some opportunities to our Senior Boys and Girls with all of the safety control measures in place that our sites can deliver. Time will tell and we will of course keep you updated.
As we move towards 100 days in lockdown, I would like to remind you all that if you have any developing concerns over your child's emotional wellbeing, please do contact the form tutors in the first instance. We will do everything we can to support your child, and you as a family. These are such unprecedented times, no family should go through such challenges unsupported, and the Claires Court community will be here to help.
Let’s also hope the weather returns to ‘normal’.
Have a lovely weekend and please stay safe.
Best wishes
Justin Spanswick
Executive Headteacher
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