Following the changing COVID-19 situation, John Kyrle High School spent Monday, March 24 working with students in Years 11 and 13.

Dave Boyd and Nigel Griffiths were involved in a telephone conference with the local authority, other schools and colleges speaking also with some primary school leaders.

The school liaised with social workers to support more vulnerable students and their families and they continue to monitor information from the government and the department for education.

Nigel Griffiths told the Ross Gazette: "We do not yet have all necessary information, but thought it useful to outline what we currently know. Please be reassured that the senior team and I will be in school for the foreseeable future, including during the Easter holidays. If you wish to contact us by telephone or email with any questions or concerns, please feel free to do so."

The school is closed for the majority of the students. In light of this, Nigel continued: "As well as keeping your children safe and well, please encourage physical activity at home. It is also important that young people undertake a range of other activities, including schoolwork and reading.

"We are putting together information on ‘Show my Homework’. This will be updated regularly with many of my staff doing so from home. I will keep you informed of this. Please also encourage reading for information and pleasure. And have as much fun as you can!"

The school was open from yesterday, Monday, March 23 for vulnerable children and for those whose parent(s’) work is critical to the COVID-19 response, including those who work in health and social care and in other key sectors as outlined in the document to be found at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision

Please contact the school if you wish your son/daughter to attend. You can email [email protected]

This provision to support relevant parents/carers is ongoing, including over the Easter holidays. During the early part of next week, the senior team will be supporting these pupils. Depending upon numbers, Nigel Griffiths will ask other staff to join us if necessary.

He said: "The school day will run at the normal times 8.45-3.25, Monday-Friday, including during holidays until further notice.

"Yesterday, we were in contact with some parents of pupils who fall into the above categories. I have also had meetings with the school canteen, and we will, at least during the first week, be able to provide food for those who attend. The local authority informed me yesterday that school transport will run as normal. (Every student we spoke to asked, as the first question, should they wear uniform - the answer is it is entirely up to them.)

"Our role has changed fundamentally. The primary purpose of the school now is to look after our most vulnerable students and support frontline and other services in addressing the national crisis in which we find ourselves. As I said in my previous letter, we will do everything we can to support the community at this time.

"Those students who attend will be looked after by teachers, they will be taught both formally and informally, have access to computer facilities, films in the school hall, sports facilities, the library. While we will ensure full and enjoyable social activities, we need to be mindful of social distancing and will limit contact.

"Should we need to consolidate provision, I have agreed that John Kyrle will be the main centre, using, for example, the WyeLearn to accommodate younger pupils. If this happens, it is unlikely to be for some weeks, and you will, of course, be informed in good time. Between us all, school leaders and staff will ensure that frontline workers do not have to worry about their children during the school day."

Public examinations have been cancelled. The school await information from the Secretary of State on how qualifications will be awarded. Mr Burton, Mr Wallace and the headteacher will lead the liaison with the necessary exam boards on this.

Nigel told the Ross Gazette: "We are talking to local community groups. We have offered use of the school facilities as a drop off point for food donations. The canteen has offered use of its vans for meal distribution. We also have some spare toilet roll and will be donating this to community groups.

"My staff and governors have, as ever, been hugely supportive. I want to take this opportunity to thank them.

"We will do all we can to support young people and their families, key workers and the community during this worrying time. What we do know is that all this will pass. The closer we work together the quicker that will be. We can then look forward to a strong and exciting future going forward."

The school will be communicating with by email, the website www.jkhs.org.uk and through their social media pages. These are Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.