It has been lovely to see so many more members of our school community in the building this week. School is still running in an unusual way but the children have adapted well to new ways of working and mixing with each other. Thank you to parents for your support in keeping our school community safe and for your understanding in terms of who can be currently accommodated in school so that we can ensure social distancing.

We recognise that for children who are unable to come to school, this week must have been particularly challenging and I am sorry for it. As you can imagine, the staff at school are desperate to see all the children and are also finding it hard. Hopefully they have been able to connect with you this week and to address any issues you still might have with home-schooling or managing your child’s behaviours. School has been closed to many children for several months and it isn’t surprising that some families will be struggling with this situation.

In order to provide respite for families and to support transition back to the school setting, we are hoping to run summer school sessions over the six-week break. You will receive information about these today and I would urge parents to make it known as to whether they would like to take up the offer by next Friday.

The survey to complete to show interest can be found using this link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-kr_BcfuwMpDmVrN9Ge761L75DhwR55FtfYb0wGaDeB0KVQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

As a result of the campaign by footballer Marcus Rashford and his supporters, children currently receiving free school meals vouchers will continue to receive these during the summer holidays. This story has highlighted the impact that one person can make in changing circumstances for millions of families in this country. The voucher scheme is an investment in the future of our society and I am grateful that this will relieve the pressure for some of our most vulnerable families during this challenging time. If your financial circumstances have changed during lockdown you may now be eligible to free school meals, please explore this possibility by contacting the school directly or through the following county council website:

https://www.cumbria.gov.uk/childrensservices/schoolsandlearning/freeschoolmeals.asp

Free school meals and clothing vouchers are available for your child(ren) if you receive one of the following qualifying benefits:

• Income Support (IS)
• Income Based Jobseekers Allowance (IBJSA)
• An income related Employment and Support Allowance
• Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Child Tax Credit, provided you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income (as assessed by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs) that as of April 2012 does not exceed £16,190. Note: From 1st May 2009 where you are entitled to Working Tax Credit during the four-week period immediately after your employment ceases, or after you start to work less than 16 hours per week, your children are entitled to Free School Meals, this may be extended
• The Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
• Universal Credit

Many of you have expressed confusion regarding how they should be socially distancing and staff have become aware that children are mixing more widely with persons outside of their support bubble or household. To help with this, a copy of the most recent guidance has been sent out with the newsletter. If families are breaking the rules with regard to social distancing we may need to ask children to stay at home and not attend school. This will help us to keep the other children and staff safe.

I hope you have a good weekend and the weather is kind to us all, stay safe,

Mrs Figes