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St Mary's Primary School, Maghera

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR PARENTS ON COVID-19 RESPONSE

21st Mar 2020

The information we sent out yesterday needs updated in light of new information coming from the Education Minister. As a response to requests for greater clarity he provided more detailed information to schools at approximately 8.00pm yesterday evening. 

Schools are being asked to provide supervised education for a limited number of children- children who are vulnerable and children whose parents are critical to the Covid - 19 response and cannot be safely cared for at home.For the purpose of  this guidance, the term vulnerable encompassess those children who are in need of protection, or in need, as defined by the Children(NI). 1995.

We have been advised that a child who has at least one parent as a Key Worker should also be accommodated.

As a school we will need to reassess how many children are eligible, so if your child fits into either of these two categories, please email the school  before  9.00am on Monday. 

Staff will plan for this provision which may now be operational from Tuesday 24 March.


Please note

  • Children can be accommodated during the school hours 9.00am-3.15am.
  • They should be  dropped off at the main school door.
  • Children should wear their uniform 
  • Children are to bring with them their home learning packs.
  • All children are to bring a snack and packed lunch.

Any child previously withdrawn from school on the basis of risk should not return. Any child presenting with symptoms or from a household of symptoms should not come to school.

We believe it is not in any of our health interests to reassemble large numbers of children in school on Tuesday morning. We cannot deliver this with safe compliance to social distancing measures and a reduced staff body.

Over the course of Monday we are going to prioritise offers to families according to capacity, need and health advice.

Please consider families, neighbours and friends who may be able to help and support here. Coming into school should only be in the last instance for all pupils.

We may offer provision for Tuesday morning to a smaller group where the need is most urgent and take a few days to organise provision moving forward.

Only families with an offer of a place should attend school.

We are doing our very best in Glenview to support our parents and maintain safety for all.

More information on the Education Minister’s advice can be found by visiting

http://www.education-ni.gov.uk/news/statement-education-minister-covid-19-response

and the Guidance to schools at the end of the publication.