Fairfields Primary School

Dear parents and carers,

I am receiving a number of complaints from parents about decisions being made in school.  Most of the complaints are about the organization of the playground and also about Christmas activities being different this year.  I am writing this to help you to understand the decisions behind this and to ask for your help. 

I know that we are attempting to make things seem as normal as possible but the fact remains, that they are not. 

Year 2 are currently isolating.  This has removed 6 members of staff from our structure.  Mrs. Hopkins and I are now covering break and lunchtime duties and we are also trying to provide for children whose support assistants are isolating.  We are unable to use supply teachers due to the risk of cross-contamination. 

When we make decisions about activities, we have to imagine a situation where potentially more staff are isolating.  We cannot afford to promise activities which will put more pressure on the workforce.  For example, if every child brought in 10 Christmas cards into school, we would have to facilitate delivery of over 4000 cards with a reduced staff force.  We would also then receive complaints from members of the community who are shielding or who are anxious about items being brought into the home from other households. 

Parents have requested work for children who are isolating without medical reason.  I cannot put our staff under pressure when we are asking for them to cover for other staff members. 

My main message to our whole school community is that for the next three weeks, my priority will be on continuing the education of your children and ensuring that they are well cared for whilst they are in school.

Thank you for your continued support.

Miss Kelly Dillon

Headteacher