School information for Covid-19

On Monday 24^th March The Government instigated further extreme measures to regulate the behaviours of our communities and to work to control the spread of the Coronavirus.

The guidance for schools is very clear.  We are to limit the numbers of children in school wherever possible to reduce the risk to children and to staff.  As a school we have worked towards that aim today.  Parents and carers have been extremely supportive of our efforts to this end.  Our numbers of children are now at its lowest and the staff have begun a rota of care and support.

We are still very much a working team – if not slightly spread out - and will continue to support our school community for as long as we possibly can.

 Even if you are a key worker, if you are able to support your child at home then without question that is the safest place to do so.  In school we are making every effort to ensure we are as safe as we can be.

The number of cases of Covid-19 has increased significantly over the weekend.  Please take the time to read the Government advice on how best to keep your children and families safe.  Advice can be found here.

Social distancing is extremely important and as you will be aware we could be carriers of the virus as well as be its potential victims.  Sending children to school does increase their risk of exposure to Covid-19 as they will be with other children and adults.  Please consider this very carefully if you are choosing to send your child to school.

Further Government advice on Social Distancing can be found here.

As a school community we continue to do whatever we can to prevent unnecessary risk to the children and staff in Willow Grove. The situation is changing rapidly as I’m sure you are aware and we will endeavour to keep our website updated for you. 

We are currently taking the following steps:

• Staff have been split into two teams and are working on a rota to continue to come into the school building
• Wherever possible class numbers will not go above 4 children.
• School trips will now be cancelled and the school minibus will not be used.

• Outreach support to other schools has been suspended.
• All staff attendance at any training out of school has been cancelled.
• All visitors to school are now cancelled.
• Children are utilising all spaces in school to enable as much social distancing as is possible with young children.
• Swimming lessons are cancelled.
• Each fortnight teachers will be sending out support learning packs for any children who are currently at home.
• The Family Partnership Service will not be making visits to family homes until further notice – they will continue to be available to families via phone calls.
• Wherever possible school are striving to implement social distancing for the children and staff within its school environment.

This is a very worrying time for everyone in our school community.  Please do not be alone with your worries.  We are at the end of the phone or available via email.  If you want to speak with someone then just call us at school and we will support you in any way we can or signpost you to someone who can help.

Support for your mental health can be found here.

Medical advice can be found here.

Wigan Local Council support advice can be found here.