Hi everyone,

 

I understand there is quite a lot of confusion about re-opening schools, especially in light of Nottingham City Council’s decision to tell the schools they are responsible for not to re-open on the 1^st June. I thought it would be useful to outline Burford’s position in relation to re-opening. As you know, we had planned to re-open on the 1^st June for Year 6 (we have always been open for the children of key workers and vulnerable children – this will continue from the 1^st June). I was informed on Wednesday 27^th May that re-opening for Y6 pupils would not be possible as Transform (the trust Burford is part of and who holds ultimate legal responsibility for our actions) had taken the decision that all their schools would not open to Year 6 pupils until Thursday 4^th June at the earliest. The parents of children affected in Year 6 were contacted on Thursday 28^th May. 

 

A key reason behind the decision to delay re-opening was to ensure all schools in Transform had taken the necessary steps to ensure they were safe to re-open. Burford submitted a risk assessment to the executive board of Transform on 22^nd May and that has been graded as green. A member of the executive board will visit Burford on Monday 1^st June to ensure the risk assessment matches provision on the ground. Whilst it is frustrating for everyone having to wait, it is undoubtedly the right decision to put the safety of our children and staff before opening too quickly.  

 

So, as things stand, the instruction is that we will be able to re-open to Y6 pupils by Thursday 4^th June at the earliest. I will, of course, keep you informed of developments.

 

I have attached a letter from the CEO of Transform which sets out, in more detail, the thinking behind the decision above, plus some detail around how school will likely run when we extend our provision to Year 6, and then to other children. One thing you will notice in the letter is that children will not be expected to wear uniform in school. This seems a sensible decision as children, and staff, will need to wash all their clothing on a daily basis to ensure the highest health standards are observed.

 

I hope this helps clarify what is happening at Burford (in simple terms we are open for the children of key workers and vulnerable children from the 1^st June – watch this space for news of wider re-opening) but please feel free to come back to me if you would like any further questions answered.

 

Mr Farrington