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Information about schools and homeschooling - Coronavirus updates

Please click on the links below for advice about homeschooling, and the latest information about schools during the coronavirus outbreak:

Please click here for the latest government guidance.

Schools - Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The latest information about schools in Northumberland affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19).

This information was last updated on 1 June 2020.

  • Schools have been closed since Friday 20 March to all children except those with key worker parents or carers, and the most vulnerable children.
  • Key workers include NHS staff, police and delivery drivers who need to be able to go to work. Please click here for a detailed list of key workers.
  • Vulnerable children include those who have a social worker and those with educational health and care plans.
  • Across the county, Northumberland schools are putting in place the appropriate measures in order to welcome back Year 6, Year 1 and Reception pupils in line with the Government’s guidance.
Reopening of schools

Currently the Department for Education has prioritised the return of Year 6, Year 1 and Reception pupils, in order to minimise the number of children in schools.

Northumberland County Council is working with head teachers in schools across the county to support them in the implementation of safety measures based on their risk assessments and  in line with Government guidance. Pupils in Year 6, Year 1 and Reception will be welcomed back once safety measures are in place.

Parents should stay in touch with their child’s school for the latest information on opening arrangements.

PLEASE NOTE: Each school may handle this situation differently based on demand, in order to ensure the welfare of all staff, support workers, and children.

 

Click on the drop down boxes below to find the answers to some of your school related COVID-19 questions:

Following guidance from the Government schools 88 schools in Northumberland are planning to be open in the week beginning 1st June for some or all of the identified year groups, with the remaining schools planning to open during the week beginning 8th June.

We are working with head teachers in schools across the county to support them in the implementation of appropriate health and safety measures based on their risk assessments, and in line with Government guidance. Once those safety measures are in place, schools will welcome back pupils in Year 6, Year 1 and Reception. Parents should stay in touch with their child’s school for the latest information.

You can find the full questions and answers document here
The re-opening of Primary schools will begin with children in the Nursery, Reception classes, Year 1 and Year 6. The three year groups within mainstream primary have been prioritised by Government because they are key transition years – children in Reception and Year 1 are at the very beginning of their school career and are mastering the essential basics, including counting and the fundamentals of reading and writing, and learning to socialise with their peers.

Pupils are likely to be asked to return to school on a part-time basis and continue with home learning activities.
You can find the full questions and answers document here
From the week commencing 1st June 2020 at the earliest, primary schools are planning to welcome back pupils to Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 (including in some middle schools). 

Transition activities in Year 4 will be provided by schools but this may be through virtual tours or online meetings. Each school will approach transition differently. 

You can find the full questions and answers document here
Secondary/high schools will welcome back Year 10 and Year 12 pupils from 15th June onwards for short face-to face sessions. Further education colleges are likely to stay closed until September. Schools and colleges are, therefore, planning to begin some face-to-face contact with Year 10 and 12 pupils who have key exams next year. This will not be full time and each school will decide what is appropriate for their circumstances. Online learning will continue.

You can find the full questions and answers document here
School transport will be provided, but this is dependent on the number of pupils who wish to travel, the availability of drivers, and the start times schools may operate.

Parents should contact their child’s school to discuss arrangements.

You can find the full questions and answers document here

This information was last updated 1 June 2020.

Provision is being put in place to ensure that children receiving free school meals do not suffer unnecessarily, now that the government has closed schools. 
 
The vast majority of schools in Northumberland are remaining open to look after children of key workers or the most vulnerable children. 
 
Schools were asked to identify their vulnerable students, so that the required level of support could be identified.  All schools are making their own arrangements with the support of the Northumberland County Council school meals service. 
 
Guidance has now been received on the National Free School Meals Voucher Scheme:

Please click here to see the guidance for schools on free school meals.

The scheme outlines that if a school catering service cannot provide meals or food parcels, they should offer pupils from families that are eligible for benefits-related free school meals an alternative.
 
We are continuing to accept free school meal applications at this time. If you think your child is eligible but you are not currently claiming, you can contact us on 0345 600 6400 (Monday-Thursday 8.30am-5pm, Fridays 8.30am-4.30pm), or apply by submitting this application form:

Please click here to view the free school meals application form.

You can find the full questions and answers document here

Help with homeschooling - Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The latest advice and tips about homeschooling during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

We understand that it may be hard to explain to your children what exactly coronavirus is, and how it will affect our daily lives for the time being.
 

 

Learning about coronavirus

The following resources will help children to learn more about the virus:
 
 
 
 

 

Homeschooling resources

The following resources, for both parents and teachers, will help you to teach children during school closures in Northumberland:

Activities for the week beinning 1 June 2020
 
 

 

Early Years resources

While your child is not able to access their education at nursery, school, or with their childminder, we want to support you to continue the school readiness journey with some ideas for simple, play-based activities to try together at home. The Early Years Team will update the resources each week:

Early Years Home Learning

Virtual school - Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The latest information and resources from the Virtual School to support schools, parents and carers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

This information was last updated on 26 May 2020.

​The following links are for Designated Safeguarding Leads: The following links are for Designated Teachers: ​The following links are for Foster Carers and Residential Home Staff:
Supporting education in the home:

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