Dear Parents and Carers,

I previously wrote to you on 22^nd May with regard to the date a decision on opening schools to more pupils would be made. This morning, the trust board of the Prince Albert Community Trust met to make this decision. As I am sure you can appreciate, there are many things to consider when trying to decide what is best for our children, staff and parents in this situation. In all my years of leading schools, this is by far the most difficult situation my team and I have faced and making the right decisions for our school community has been exceptionally challenging. 

During this period of school closure, we are pleased to be able to continue to offer eligible parents and pupils access to free school meals by supplying supermarket eGift cards, that can be spent locally to you.

During the week commencing 1st June, eligible pupils will be issued with a £45 eCode, the equivalent of £15 per week, £3 per meal, for three weeks. Your £45 eGift card can be used in multiple transactions and on multiple visits, until you have spent the full value of the eGift card. eCodes can be redeemed online for an eGift card for the supermarket of your choice by visiting freeschoolmeals.co.uk.

Dear Parents and Carers,

I last wrote to you on 19th May about the possible timetable for the opening of our schools. Following a meeting of the PACT trust board this afternoon, the board have decided to delay that decision until 3rd June. The board are keen for our schools to open as soon as it is safe to do so and will decide on an opening date for year 1 pupils in the first instance. The trust board are in agreement with plans to stagger opening for different year groups as previously communicated. I will therefore update you further on 3rd June.

Dear Parents and Carers,

I am writing to you with more detail following the government’s announcement about opening schools to more children from after half term, subject to further scientific advice (due on 28th May). We have now received further information and guidance from the Department for Education, which we are using to plan for receiving more children.

Dear Parents

I am currently working with senior colleagues on a comprehensive plan for the re-opening of all of our schools to some children. Parents/carers of children in Y1 will have been contacted on Monday 18th May to ask if they will send their child in should school be open after 1st June. Parents/carers of pupils in nursery, reception and year 6 will also receive a call this week asking the same.

The team at Birmingham Virtual School have released a useful document regarding children's mental health and wellbeing. This includes some practical advice and activities for parents to try with their child at home. In such uncertain times, we wanted to share this with you. Please remember that PAUSE are also offering support (the flyer for this has been shared via Twitter and our school newsletter) 

Take good care and stay safe, 

Mrs Middleton 

Virtual School - support and guidance

Dear parents/carers,

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on Sunday 10th May we will be working towards opening our schools to more pupils. Currently, we are waiting for additional information and guidance as to which children and how many, schools will be open to. I would like to assure you that the safety of our children will be our primary consideration when planning for greater numbers of children to attend.

Sajid Gulzar
Executive Headteacher & CEO
Prince Albert Community Trust (PACT)