Extra Ordinary Inset Day – Friday 20 November

As a whole school community we continue to work together in order to effectively respond to positive cases of COVID-19.

Last week we had a number of cases in Year 10 which meant that on Friday 13 November we took the decision to close the school to all Year 10s. This decision was taken on Friday as there had been three positive cases. Over the weekend we have had two further positive cases in Year 10.

Today we have made all parent/carers aware of a positive case in Year 9. This means in the last week we have had six positive cases of COVID-19 amongst students. We have also had two positive cases amongst staff and this is the reason why the school office remains closed to phone calls. Each time we have a positive case it is necessary for a wider group of people to self-isolate. The number of staff required to self-isolate is increasing which has meant that staff are currently working even harder teaching additional lessons in order for the school to remain open to all year groups.

Our proactive approach to date has had the desired effect of keeping the school open to as many students as possible. In order for this to continue, the Trust and The Governing Body have granted the school an additional Inset Day this Friday where the school will be closed to all students.

We have taken this decision for a number of reasons. Staff require additional time in order to plan and prepare work for the remainder of this term. It is also the right time to close the school so that a thorough clean can take place of the whole site. On Monday 23 November we have the majority of students and staff that are currently self-isolating returning to school. We would like to take this opportunity to reset the school so that when we return we can focus on completing the next four weeks up until the Christmas break. We also have the mock exams starting for Year 11 next week and I am keen to avoid further disruption of these.

There is also another purpose to this Inset Day. On Friday 13 November, the school sent out a letter to all parent/carers outlining how to access home learning. On Friday 20 November, all students should use this opportunity to practice logging in and making sure they can access home learning. Year 11s should also use this time to revise for their upcoming mock exams. It is essential that we test our readiness for home learning in the event that greater numbers of students are required to self-isolate. Please can I ask that all parent/carers ensure that their child can log on in advance of Friday and that on Friday you check that their child has completed their home learning. If you have any concerns in advance of Friday or on the day, please email enquiries@wellingschool-tkat.org.

We do expect the remainder of this week to be challenging as we cover for staff that are self-isolating and I thank you in advance for your understanding. Please do continue to contact relevant staff via email or use the above email address if you have any further queries.

With very best wishes

Yours faithfully

Mr R Pett

Headteacher