‘Phased’ reopening at Louth, Somercotes and Theddlethorpe academies in mid-June

Primary and secondary schools within the Tollbar Multi Academy Trust - which includes academies in Louth, North Somercotes and Theddlethorpe - are preparing to open to a small number of year groups in three weeks’ time.
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The Trust’s Board met yesterday (Thursday) to consider detailed information presented by the Multi Academy Trust (MAT) Executive Team, as well as the latest Government guidance, information from the Local Authorities, and submissions from trade unions.

The Trust will begin a phased re-opening to a small number of year groups from Monday June 15, some of which will be on a part-time basis.

Primary academies such as Theddlethorpe will open to Nursery, Reception, and Year One children - with classes of between five and nine pupils.

Children in each class will remain together throughout the school day, to reduce mixing with others. Year Six students will not return at this stage.

The Trust will also begin a phased re-opening of its secondary academies, including Tollbar Academy and Sixth Form College, Louth Academy and Somercotes Academy.

Year 10 and 12 students will return on a part-time basis in small groups to ensure social distancing, and there will be ‘significant modifications’ of individual student timetables to facilitate this.

Philip Bond, Chair of Tollbar Multi Academy Trust, said: “We feel the date proposed by the Government of June 1 is premature, as even though extensive risk assessments have been conducted, it is vital the environment for both staff and students is as safe as possible.

“The later date gives us an extra two weeks to ensure that the Trust can ensure as safe an environment as possible exists.

“An awful lot of work has been done by our Executive Team in order to best protect staff and students, and parents will be made aware of the preparations we have made in letters from each of the Academy Principals.”

All of the Trust’s Academies will continue to remain open for vulnerable students, Education Health Care Plan students, and for the children of key workers.

The Board will continue to monitor all Government advice closely and will respond accordingly.

David Hampson, Chief Executive of Tollbar Multi Academy Trust, added: “I would like to thank all of our staff for their dedication, hard work and commitment during this very difficult period.

“It is our intention that staff will attend during the week of June 8 to allow any additional Covid-19 specific training to be provided, including familiarising staff with available PPE equipment, and also to allow communication with senior members of staff to respond to any concerns they may have.

“I am extremely proud to lead such a dedicated and committed team of people, and parents can be assured that the safety of their children remains paramount to us all.”

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