Thank you to everyone who has carefully considered the return to school for their children and informed us of their decisions over the past week.

Since we communicated last, there has been a meeting held where Gateshead Education Leaders and a group of representative Head Teachers discussed the return to school for Gateshead children.

It was agreed that Gateshead has one of the highest transmission rates in the country for COVID19 and therefore we should be cautious about bringing large numbers of people together in a confined space for a number of hours.

It was also agreed that schools have not had enough time to complete and consult on robust risk assessments and preparing school buildings.

It was also confirmed that the Government have yet to progress on their 5 tests, which is a key condition they set for schools to bring more children into schools. This is not expected until Friday 29th May which is too late for an opening of 1st June.

The group concluded that the initial date suggested by the Government is too early for Gateshead Schools and the date for opening should be deferred until at least the 8th June.

School will be open for keyworker children only for week commencing 1st June.

Anyone who has indicated they wish to return to school will receive a letter next week confirming the arrangements for week commencing 8th June.

We will continue to support our children who are staying at home with home learning and delivery of resources.

As always safety of the children, staff and community is our number one priority at this time,

Stay Safe 

Mr Wisby