January School Opening

Below is the text of a letter sent to parent by SchoolPing on 1 January:

​Dear Parents and Carers,
 
Happy New Year!  I hope everyone is having a restful break.
 
I am writing to update you about Harrow primary schools, and Pinner Park, following the statement made on Wednesday 30 December by the Secretary of State for Education.
 
Harrow remains on the list of local authorities wherein primary schools are asked to remain open to pupils despite the high rates of infection in the borough.
 
As you may be aware, this has caused some anxiety and confusion for many school leaders, local politicians, council officers, and others.  Given our local data, it is difficult to understand the reasoning behind the Government’s decision not to include Harrow on the list, especially given that all our neighbouring authorities are affected by the new regulations. The data would seem to clearly demonstrate the need for Harrow primary schools to be treated the same as all our surrounding Local Authorities.
 
Harrow Council has now written to all primary headteachers to advise that, based on the available public health data, that primary schools in Harrow should move to online learning for the majority of children next week in the same way as those schools in surrounding Boroughs.  You can read the letter to headteachers, and further information, here:

• https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKHARROW/bulletins/2b3ad5f
• https://www.harrow.gov.uk/news/article/10870/harrow-primary-schools-advised-to-move-to-online-learning-from-monday

 
These are challenging times, and we have had to make many difficult decisions over the last year. However, we have always sought to make decisive, swift choices when we feel these are in the best interests of our children, families, local community and staff.  For this reason, and taking into account all the information provided today to headteachers, we have taken the decision to follow Harrow Council’s advice and move to online learning for the majority of pupils from Tuesday (Monday is an INSET day).   We expect this to be in place for at least two weeks, but we will review this decision regularly in the light of updated guidance and information.   We will endeavour to communicate with you often.
 
We will remain open for vulnerable students and to the children of critical workers (further information to follow).
 
I will provide further information about the online learning (for the majority of pupils) and our provision for vulnerable students and to the children of critical workers over the weekend.  
 
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us through the office email.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
 
Very best wishes,
 
Nick Waldron
Headteacher