Coronavirus (Covid-19) Update: Wednesday 18th March

Dear Parents

You will inevitably have heard the government’s decision this evening to close all schools on Friday. These steps will not be easy for any members of our school community, in particular our children and for those of you who, of course, need to go out to work. With much regret, Prince’s Mead must abide by this decision and we too will therefore be closing our site at the end of the day on Friday as part of the nationwide fightback against the Coronavirus.

Nonetheless, we are proud to be playing our part in supporting the children of key workers and we will be ensuring continuity of provision for the children of these key workers who would otherwise be forced to stay home. Whilst we seek urgent clarity on the description of ‘key workers’, we are hopeful that this includes, at the very least, NHS staff, emergency services, care workers and delivery personnel. If you believe that you are a key worker and need our support whilst all schools are closed for this temporary period, please let the School Office know.

We remain committed to your child’s learning and wellbeing throughout this challenging period. Staff have undertaken significant preparations for learning to continue remotely for all our pupils from Monday, with lessons being accessed through Microsoft 365 (through a Portal link on the front page of our website, if needed). Pupils in the Prep School are being briefed about accessing resources remotely and detailed written instructions will be communicated before the end of the week.

Thank you for your patience and understanding at this difficult time. Our teaching and non-teaching staff remain busy ensuring that the best educational programme possible is delivered from next week and that we continue to do everything we can under these circumstances to make sure that your children remain happy and safe.

I remain immensely proud of every member of our school community as we adjust to an evolving landscape. Thank you to you as parents for your fantastic support and I remain absolutely convinced we will look back on this experience stronger and more united than ever once this has passed. These are unprecedented times but we will get through it.

With my kind regards
Peter Thacker