We have reached the third week of the Spring term and as we start to enjoy a fraction more daytime light we are beginning to see some clarity emerge. We have now heard from Matt Hancock of the four conditions that need to be met for our schools to be able to fully reopen.
We are, slowly, starting to establish a new rhythm of working. We know that we will continue in this vein until February Half Term, and probably beyond that.
Our remote education offer is in place and we exhibit a healthy desire to learn from the emerging research as to what is proving most effective. These will be incremental steps, each building on existing practice. We also know that this model of delivery will continue for the medium term so need to ensure that our patterns of working are sustainable. We haven’t worked in such a concentrated remote fashion before so it is vital that we keep a vigilant eye on the new pressures that our staff face.
Lateral Flow Device (LFD) testing will become an everyday aspect of our work but I must stress that such testing is an additional aid to our system of controls – not a replacement. We know that LFD testing will help identify asymptomatic cases, and thus help break the chain of transmission, but on their own do not prevent the spread of infection. We have heard, today, that the DfE has called a pause to the regular LFD testing of students but asked us to continue, what will become, our routine testing of school staff. So, in short, our test centres will remain busy!
WeST has been contacted by the NASUWT to seek our support in taking proactive steps to reduce the number of children on our school sites. My letter to parents last Friday certainly conveyed this message in a strong fashion.
We have also seen Ofsted take an interest in the role that Multi Academy Trusts are playing in the sector's response to Coronavirus. If you get a moment do have a very quick read of this short article available here
Getting to know the School Improvement Team
Continuing with our theme of getting to know the WeST School Improvement team, this week we have included a ‘pen portrait’ from Rob Diment, Director of Secondary School Improvement (see article below).
Best wishes
Rob Haring, CEO