Today the government announced its plans for the full reopening of schools in September 2020.
Firstly, we welcome the news that all year groups will be returning in the Michaelmas term. We have consulted with our parents extensively and know we have overwhelmingly strong support to open the school and its facilities to the greatest extent we can. Our pupils’ safety and that of our staff remains our number one priority and we will continue to ensure we put all the reasonable and practical measures in place that we can to allow our children to continue to learn and grow whilst minimising any risk to their health or wellbeing. Whilst it is generally accepted in the scientific community that the incidence of transmission is far lower amongst children, we will continue nonetheless to follow government guidance with regards to hygiene, cleanliness and, where required, social distancing.
We are delighted that there will be no need at S.Anselm’s to prioritise core subjects, to the detriment of other subjects we still consider vital, possibly until the Summer term 2021. This is because our comprehensive virtual schooling provision during lockdown ensured our children completed all aspects of the curriculum for their respective year groups. At S.Anselm’s, we are in the fortunate position of being able to offer a tailored learning approach to every child at the School that does not compromise on any aspect of the curriculum or of co-curricular activities. For those pupils who will be joining us in September from other schools, we have made special arrangements to ensure all children get quickly up to speed in a way that is supportive of each child and ensures they do not feel as if they have been behind in any way.
For S. Anselm’s, it will very much be ‘business as usual’ as far as possible, and we welcome any new families who feel their children would benefit from our philosophy of providing that all important academic push, within a fun and happy environment. On a final note, at S. Anselm’s the teaching never stops; come what may. Should there be the need to enter lockdown arrangements again as we approach the winter, we are completely prepared. Whether it be virtual school (including live lessons and 1:1 support), real time lessons or even a mixture of both – we have a highly successful tried and tested solution. We look forward to the future with real confidence.
Frank Thompson
Head