Special Education Notice: 21 September 2021
A special Education Notice for head teachers.
Borough secondary schools asked to hold virtual open events for next Year 7 cohort
Due to high number of coronavirus cases locally, secondary schools across Telford and Wrekin are to hold open evening events virtually for their next cohort of Year 7 students, who are due to start September 2022).
For a few weeks in a row, Telford & Wrekin has been ranking very high in Covid-19 infection rates, well above the national and regional average – and this has impacted on staff availability in primary and secondary schools across the borough.
To help reduce the virus spread and keep our schools open, the Council’s Health Protection Hub has asked all the borough’s secondary schools, including academies, to hold virtual open events this year for their next cohort of Year 7 students. Usually these events take place in late September and early October.
Liz Noakes, Telford and Wrekin's Director for Public Health, said: "Infection rates in our borough are still very high and this is in part due to the high number of cases in borough’s schools.
“To ensure continuity of education and help protect our children and staff, we have asked all secondary schools to hold virtual open events for their next cohort of Year 7 students that take place over the next few weeks. Other Council in the West Midlands have adopted the same approach.
“We are aware that the move to virtual open days might cause disappointment among future Year 7 students and their parents or carers and we totally understand their concerns, it’s not a recommendation we’ve given lightly.
“However, as it is unlikely that Covid-19 infection rates will drop significantly in the coming weeks, we need to take all measures within our control to keep our community safe.
“We have advised schools as early as possible to move to virtual open events for their next Year 7 students so they can already start making arrangements for this.
“Many secondary schools will be offering plenty of virtual opportunities for their next group of Year 7 students to engage with their staff and to get familiarised with the school through a virtual tour and we encourage students and their parents and carers to take part.
“We know this is not ideal and we all want the normality back – but unfortunately, the virus is still with us.
“We are also urging all parents and carers not to send their children to school if they are feeling unwell and to book a PCR test even if they are experiencing mild symptoms.
“Also secondary school students should continue to test twice a week even if they are feeling well.
“Let’s all work together to get the numbers down and help keep life moving in Telford and Wrekin.”