As a group of schools, we believe passionately in the power of working as one entity; advancing education for the public benefit with a shared moral and legal purpose. We wholeheartedly commit to supporting our local communities to thrive by maximising every opportunity for learning and care and ultimately to achieve our vision: 

Our values are the thread that drive excellence and create the culture in which we can all excel. Our values are:

• We are brave
• We care
• We celebrate individuality
• We leave no one behind

It is our expectation that all pupils, in all year groups, will return to full-time education from the beginning of the autumn term following public health advice, endorsed by Public Health England (PHE) and the latest guidance from the Department for Education (DfE).

Trust and school leaders are continuing to follow a clear action plan to minimise the risk of transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) in each school based around:

• school operations
• curriculum, behaviour, and pastoral support
• assessment and accountability
• contingency planning to provide continuity of education in the case of a local outbreak

Schools will implement (in line with a revised risk assessment) a series of measures that will create an inherently safer environment for children and staff where the risk of transmission of infection is substantially reduced.

It is widely acknowledged that there cannot be a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach where the system of controls describes every scenario. Our school leaders will be best placed to understand the needs of their schools and communities, and to make informed judgements about how to balance delivering a broad and balanced curriculum with the measures needed to manage risk. 

We appreciate that parents may need support and guidance to help plan their children’s return to school. The Government has launched a #backtoschoolsafely campaign, intended to reassure parents and students about returning to schools in September.

Can we encourage parents/carers to visit gov.uk/backtoschool for information and practical guidance to help them plan for their children’s return in September.

A leaflet explaining more about the safety measures is available here https://coronavirusresources.phe.gov.uk/schools-/resources/parents-leaflets/

May we reassure you that school leaders and staff have worked tirelessly to ensure that your children’s safe return and education are of the most paramount importance. We have already successfully navigated the past weeks and months of COVID-19 with your support and are confident that we can continue to deliver excellence together.

- Mrs. Joanne Smith
Chair of the Trust Board