Virus cases are on the rise again in North Somerset and it is inevitable that some of the rising numbers are now impacting schools across the county. We want to reassure you that all of our schools are still working very hard to minimise risk. The health and safety of all our children and staff remains a priority at all times.

 

We continue to:

 

review cleaning procedures daily to ensure national guidance is adhered to and latest safety advice is taken

 

carry out regular deep cleaning

 

have anti-bac hand gel available and accessible to all

 

remind everyone in school to maintain social distancing and not become complacent.

 

virtually ‘meet’, communicate and support across the trust daily.

 

If you are able to wear a mask when dropping off and picking up children then please do so. We are being told about some parents/carers congregating around the various school gates. We do encourage people to move on but we are unable to enforce this when off school grounds. We know how important time to catch up is, but we are living in extraordinary times so politely ask that we all do what we can to stay safe.

 

Central team visits to schools are limited and carried out in adherence to strict safety guidelines. Rooms used are controlled and surfaces are always cleaned down afterwards. School reception staff ensure school specific procedures are met at all times. Visits to central team offices are also limited to those who have essential business and carried out in a separate controlled space. Procedures mirror those carried out in schools.

 

The vast majority of our cross-school work and training is carried out remotely to limit the possibility of cross infection. Our headteachers and central team members have not been in the same meeting room since February. Our teaching school, The Beach Teaching School Alliance has been providing remote training throughout the COVID crisis, delivering over 150 sessions to teachers and governors across the South West. As a trust, we continue to ‘virtually meet’ every week to share updates, guidance, best practice, training and support.

 

We will continue to update you as and when things change. Stay safe. See you again soon we hope!

 

ELAN Central Team

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