Dear Parent/Carer,

I do hope that you and your family are well and the half-term afforded all in our community some time to rest and recharge.

As you will no doubt be aware, on Saturday 31 October, the government announced national restrictions that come into effect from tomorrow. A key difference in this second lockdown is that schools remain open.

At SNS our core aim is to create as much of a sense of normality within the school day with our daily structures and routines. We know school provides essential habits to support the wellbeing and development of young people. At the same time, we are following both national guidance and the school rules that help keep our community as safe as possible.

For those of you who are unwell, I wish you a speedy recovery and I am grateful that your effective communication with the school has helped us implement timely actions.

An important point of learning which has come to light during the half-term break, is that it is important you let the school know immediately on the day of a confirmed positive case for our students even if this is during the weekend or school holidays. Please note that our admin@sns.hackney.sch.uk is checked daily seven days a week. We would then communicate with any affected students who are identified as close contacts, even if this is in the school holiday period so that we do all that we can to protect the wider community.

As the national restrictions come into effect, I ask that you discuss the changes with your children. It is crucially important that all in our community play our part both in school and in the wider community by following the new guidance: to reduce day-to-day contact with other people in order to reduce the transmission of the virus.

The restrictions are clear that you must not meet people socially. However, you can exercise or meet in a public, outdoor space with people you live with, your support bubble (or as part of a childcare bubble), or with one other person. You should minimise time spent outside your home. When around other people, stay 2 metres apart from anyone not in your household - meaning the people you live with - or your support bubble. Where this is not possible, stay 1 metre apart with extra precautions (e.g. wearing a face covering). You must not meet socially indoors with family or friends unless they are part of your household or support bubble.

All students must go straight home after school. Students are not to hang around in any community spaces, this includes the local parks. All students are expected to be the best of ambassadors for the school and their families, and to conduct yourselves with safe, considerate and respectful behaviour. Tomorrow’s restrictions will be another new experience for all of us and each one of us has a role to play to protect those most vulnerable.

Lastly, I would also like to reassure you that the school continues to closely monitor the current situation and that should we need to, we have contingency plans in place to ensure learning continues in every possible situation.

Thank you for all your continued support. Stay safe.

Zehra Jaffer

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