Coronavirus: 'No pupil will have diminished education' vows Calderdale headteacher

As the borough descends into another week of self-isolation to reduce the spread of the deadly virus, schools are having to come up with innovative ways of keeping in contact with their pupils.

Ravenscliffe High School, on Skircoat Green, are one school that has had to partially remain open due to providing education for vulnerable children.

Ravenscliffe headteacher, Martin Moorman said: "We've stayed open for a small number of students in order to help parents which are key workers.

"However, over Easter we're contemplating to shut.

"The government want a reduction of people in social situations and we have to respect that.

"A few of our staff members can no longer work due to suffering with symptoms.

"It's challenging but it's been incredible to see the support from both the staff we have coming in and the parents."

Mr Moorman said he is aware parents are understandably worried that no school could have a detrimental effect on the education of some children.

"We're trying to reduce the impact of Ravenscliffe pupils not being in class as much as we can," he said.

"No pupil will have a diminished education.

"Teachers have been making one-on-one contact with parents once a week, and I write to parents as often as I can offering planning and curriculum activities.

"It's important that parents don't overload their children with work too.

"This situation is unforeseen and no school saw it coming and we have to stay optimistic."

Calderdale Council has issued a request to all early years child care providers, including childminders, to help support key workers during this national emergency.

Although the safest place for all children is at home, for some key workers this isn’t possible.

Schools, and all child care providers, are therefore being asked to continue to provide care for a limited number of children - children who are vulnerable, and children whose parents are critical to the Covid-19 response, like doctors and nurses, and cannot be cared for at home.

The Council is responsible for monitoring demand for provision and capacity of early years settings.

Although some providers have already taken the difficult decision to close, the Council is urging all settings to first get in touch to discuss their position before making a decision about closure.

The Council is working with the Department for Education to try to ensure that the financial support is sufficient for settings to stay open, while limiting the places offered to just those who meet the criteria – the most vulnerable children and those of key workers.

Plans are in place to support children who are required to be placed in an alternative setting to help them through any transition process and to ensure they feel secure and settle quickly.

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, councillor Adam Wilkinson said: “We continue to do all we can to ensure that children and young people are kept as safe as possible during the coronavirus emergency.

“Where possible, it’s important that children are kept at home, but early years professionals provide a crucial service to the children of key workers, many of whom are on the front line, helping us fight this virus.

“We’re all in this together, and we urge providers to get in touch and let us know how the Council can support you to enable you to carry on with your amazing and critical work.”