Dear Parents/Carers,

I am writing to update you on the situation at The Boulevard Academy. We have looked at our current staffing and also what we know about staffing over the next few days. I reluctantly have to inform you that we will have insufficient staff to be able to open the school safely for all students.

From tomorrow, Thursday 19^th March, we will only be open for students in Year 11. This arrangement will be in place in the first instance until next Friday 27th March. Students who have to stay at home will have access to a bank of online learning resources which will go live tomorrow morning and are expected to complete this work as instructed. Our city wide agreement is for all students from all schools to complete five full school days’ worth of work for each week that the school is closed. Students have already been provided with an exercise book and stationery in order to facilitate this.

Please be aware that students attending under these arrangements will not have access to their full normal timetable. However, we will look after them, ensure they have access to resources to facilitate learning, have meals and break times.

We are working closely with the Local Authority to support students who are registered to receive free school meals. We are determined that they will not be disadvantaged by this very difficult situation and are therefore initiating a temporary arrangement. From tomorrow, our canteen will be providing a lunch grab bag for all students in receipt of free school meals. These can be collected from the school between 11.30am and 12 noon. This arrangement will be in place for as long the school remains partially open. We are also looking into arrangements to supply sanitary products for our female students in need- some students have already been provided with supplies but we are currently awaiting a delivery.

Over the last few days, we have been struck by the maturity and sensible behaviour of our students. We know however, that many young people are anxious about this really significant situation nationally and internationally. We will continue to reassure them that the measures we are taking do not mean they are at significantly more risk and that medical experts are sure that young people are at the lowest risk of serious symptoms from this virus.

If you have not already done so, please download the MyEd app in order to stay up to date with developments. This is our primary method of communication and will enable you to receive live updates. Please also keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter accounts, as well as our website for further information. Students should only communicate directly with teachers through the Show My Homework learning platform, so that all messages can be tracked and followed up in case of individual staff absence.

We would like to thank you all for your support during these difficult and uncertain times; we are proud to be part of such a supportive community.

Yours faithfully,

Mrs J Mitchell

CEO/Principal