When will schools re open?

I am aware that there are questions being asked by some parents about when schools will be re opened.

The simplest answer is that Government, as yet, have given no indication that schools will be re opening soon.  School leaders cannot act to re open schools and, even if this were to be the case, the argument for doing so safely at this time would not be strong.

Following government directive, Ashgate Primary School is currently open only to families of essential workers, vulnerable children and even then, when no alternative safe provision is available.  Were schools to fully open to children at this time, social distancing guidance issued by medical professionals could not be implemented effectively.  This would place staff , the general public and children at increased risk.

Sadly, this is not likely to change imminently without a significant change in the Government's position.  I am led to believe a review of the lockdown is due towards the end of Easter; even then, if they were to follow the pattern set in other European countries, it is unlikely that schools will open fully then.  The bottom line is, no one knows.

I will of course keep you updated if there are any changes to the situation.

Free School Meal Vouchers issued by the DfE

Despite the overwhelming traffic on the Government school free meals site when it was launched, which resulted in it failing, Mrs Warburton has now uploaded the information and I have received confirmation that it has been accepted.

This is a key step. 

When vouchers will arrive electronically or be available at the school (based on the preference you have given) is not yet known, but I suspect soon.  Once available, we will let you know.

School packed meals remain available between 1200 and 1300 daily in the interim period.