Dear Parents,

Happy New Year!

I hope that you have managed to have a relaxing Christmas with your families. I thought I should write to remind you of what next week looks like at school, as there have been many stories in the press regarding schools opening or not. As it stands, there will be no changes, as per the letter from MTCBC (On website from December 18th) which stated:

On January 4th and 5th there will be no learners in school.  It also means that direct online learning opportunities will not be provided by individual schools for their pupils on 4th and 5th January.

On 6th, 7th and 8th 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

• Blue Light workers

• Education

As previously, we would expect this support would only be used if absolutely necessary. i.e - you do not have any family support networks to look after your child

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 6th, 7th and 8th January will receive online learning activities from their schools. 

Any applications for places in the child care hub should be made by midday on Monday ,January 4th by using info@rhyd-y-grug.cymru

Additional information:

BOTH parents must meet the eligibility criteria as set out above.(Please provide shift patterns)

The child care hub will run 9.00am - 3.00pm between Wednesday and Friday.

Children attending will not be able to be placed in their class bubbles as staff will be working shift patterns to accommodate the child care.

There are several meetings scheduled for headteachers during the first week back, and I shall keep you informed regarding any decisions about the following week (w/c Jan 11th), and what that looks like for everyone at Ysgol Rhyd y Grug as soon as I have ALL the necessary information

Thank you once again for your patience and understanding,

Mr Williams