Dear Parents/Carers

As we approach the end of a difficult year, I know many of you will be keen to know what arrangements our schools will be putting in place for January 2021 in light of moving to Tier 4.  I hope this letter will provide helpful information in respect of start-of-term arrangements.

The key reason for the move to Tier 4 is to suppress further spread of the virus and to this end all Merthyr Tydfil schools will be using Monday 4^th and Tuesday 5^th January to assess levels of available staff, review risk assessments and ensure schools remain a safe environment for learners.

This means that, on these two days, no learners will be in school.  It also means that direct online learning opportunities will not be provided by individual schools for their pupils on 4^th and 5^th January.

On 6^th, 7^th and 8^th January, Merthyr Tydfil schools will be providing on-site support for the children of critical workers.  Please note critical workers for this purpose are defined as someone who works for one of the following organisations:

• Health
• Social care
• Fire and rescue service
• Ambulance service
• Education

As previously, we would expect this support would only be used if absolutely necessary.

Much in the same way as they have done this week (i.e., using the same eligibility criteria), on Monday 4^th January, your child’s school will ask parents to let them know which children will be attending school on 6^th, 7^th and 8^th January.  Please do not contact your school prior to this.

There will be no school meals provided during this week – all children will be expected to bring packed meals – for those eligible for free school meals the current re-imbursement process will be followed.

Pupils who will be learning from home on 6^th, 7^th and 8^th January will receive online learning activities from their schools.

From Monday 11^th January, learners will start to return to school.  Your child’s school will let you know how this will happen in January.  It is my expectation that as many learners as possible are educated on-site, as quickly and as safely as possible during this week.

Thank you, once again, for your ongoing support and patience.

Take care – and have a safe Christmas.

Yours sincerely

SUE WALKER

CHIEF OFFICER (LEARNING)