The full reopening of schools has gone remarkably well. Before this year it was so rare that a school needed to be closed but having navigated three lockdowns, we have become well-rehearsed. We have worked together to update relevant documentation, provide PPE, interpret the increasing volumes of guidance and support each other in finding solutions to any new issues as they arise. Everyone has risen to the challenge and continues to do so.

We have come through the pandemic to be stronger as a Trust working collaboratively. Our systems are tighter, our staff are utilising shared resources both internal and external and the children have had a better experience as a result. Employing central managers to lead on the information school heads have needed has worked well and benefitted our childrens education....

We are all grateful for parents support in making the transition to full reopening as easy as it has been. Some have staggered start and finish times but everyone has cooperated in arriving to and leaving from the school sites swiftly to minimise the number of people meeting reducing the potential of cross contamination. The next test will come over the Easter Holiday. The weather is getting warmer, the rules change, and we can meet outside with other families, but we need to remain cautious. We not only risk our own health but also the health of those around us if we become carefree. So far, parents have been sensible in keeping children at home if any of the recognised symptoms are evident. We have only had a handful of positive cases this term, almost all of which were confirmed as contracted off school site, outside of school hours. Out of 2,500 children across all our 14 school sites that is a remarkably low number. Families are clearly being sensible, taking as many precautions as possible and following government guidance. We thank you for that.

As a Trust we have also come through stronger from a financial point of view which means we can invest money back into school resources. We are mid-way through replacing the managed Wi-Fi in three schools and a further three schools are having additional iPads for the children to use; more investment will continue through the Summer Term. The Trust Board are keen for any money accrued as a result of the pandemic to be reinvested back into schools to benefit your children in making the gains they need. We have benefitted from DfE monies made available to us as well as some parish councils who have approached schools with sums of money too to provide home learning equipment. All of this has gone into providing additional IT for the children to use in and outside the school day. If ever we have to partially close a school again, we are ready to switch to our online learning platform – as you will have seen in the first half of this term.

The Trust Board have continued to meet, as and when strategic decisions need to be taken on the next steps for our schools. Sometimes this has been weekly but more recently we have been able to move to monthly meetings. As Lead Officer for the Trust, I am very grateful to all of them. This is a group of people, who alongside the members, and local governors in each school volunteer a great deal of their time to support everyone in Bridge Schools.

As ever the children have been the stars of this half term. They have enjoyed time with friends and allowed staff to guide them on in their learning to make sure we do make the gains needed. They have been a credit to the Trust.

And so, finishes another ‘unprecedented’ term, it is time for everyone to pause and enjoy a lovely Easter break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back from Monday 19th April.

With all good wishes,
Adrian Massey and everyone at Bridge Schools..