Mrs M Malhi  

24 February 2021

Dear Parents and Carers

As you know, we have worked incredibly hard since the start of the pandemic in March to keep our school as safe as possible, and that work has continued. I would like to thank our incredible staff for their commitment and professionalism.
The Government has announced that while most primary schools will re-open as planned on Monday 4th January 2021, there are some areas of the while most primary schools will re-open as planned on Monday 4th January 2021, there are some areas of the country where this will not be the case and where schools will re-open later, because of high rates of Covid-19 transmission. Willow Bank Primary School, as it is in Bexley, is one of those areas.
This means that:
• If your child is classed as vulnerable or if you or your partner is a key worker, then your child will return to school on Wednesday 6th January
• If your child is not classed as vulnerable and if neither you nor your partner is a key worker, then your child will not return to school until at least Monday 18th January, although the Government has not set a date for our school’s re-opening and is keeping this under review. Your child is expected to engage fully with their remote learning during the weeks of 6th January and 11th January (and beyond if our school opens later than 18th January) so that they keep up with their education. I will of course let you know as soon as the Government decides that the school can re-open to all pupils, including your child
As before, a great deal of planning and risk assessment has gone into ensuring that our school continues to be as safe as for pupils and staff, in line with latest Government and Public Health England guidance. We will continue to take decisions in the best interests of our pupils, working with you and keeping you informed every step of the way.
You may also have heard that testing for those without coronavirus symptoms will be conducted in some schools this term. However, this relates only to secondary schools and therefore we are unaffected.

I hope that the information in this letter is helpful and clear but if you have any questions, please do email these to office@wbp.bexley.sch.uk
In the meantime, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very happy New Year. Please do continue to take care and stay safe.

Yours sincerely

Mrs M Malhi
Head Teacher