Dear all,

Somerset Support Services for Education have sent Headteachers the following message this evening, "It has recently appeared in the media that the PM will make an announcement at 8pm tonight about greater restrictions. It is being reported that the announcement will be followed with a vote in Parliament on Wednesday. Secondary schools are already making preparations for schools to open to key worker and vulnerable pupils only following the policy changes before Christmas. Some primary schools have made a judgement to do so in the past few days on the basis of staffing restrictions and the ability to operate safely.

In order for schools to take account of this rapidly changing situation, we are recommending that all schools in Somerset open only for children of key workers and vulnerable pupils, and continue to do so as long as it takes for the way forward to be confirmed for all schools."

St. Benedict's and St. John's have agreed that following this advice and listening to the views of our school community, we will be closed tomorrow to prepare for Lockdown learning, which will commence on Wednesday.
We will contact you tomorrow if your child is on our vulnerable list or if you are a keyworker that requires a place for your child. Please note that we will run year group bubbles and aim to maintain our regular, high-quality broad curriculum. With this in mind, we would like pupils attending during Lockdown to attend school every day, to ensure they do not miss learning.

Our sincere apologies for the inconvenience this may cause you, but the actions (or failure to make decisions) of the government have left us in an incredibly challenging situation and we are keen to act now to keep our pupils and staff safe and to send out a clear message to you. Remote learning will start on Wednesday. There will be staff in school tomorrow and you will be able to contact us on the usual number.

We are very grateful for your supportive messages and hope that you understand the reason for this course of action, especially at such short notice.

Best wishes and stay safe,

Mr Ranger