Dear Parents/Carers,

While the Government has announced the relaxation of the ‘2 metre rule’, the clear advice is that 2 meters should be maintained where possible.  This is particularly important when prolonged contact is required between individuals, unless a range of further safety measures are implemented.  As a result of this, and in conjunction with the capacity restrictions we face and the drive to maintain the integrity of our current teaching bubbles, we will be unable to accommodate further children or teaching groups prior to the end of term. 

Although the Government made several changes on Tuesday, I am still working to the current guidance issued by the DfE relating to maximum class sizes, social distancing and the use of teaching bubbles or groups.  It is important to remember that current guidance relating to primary schools includes the following statements:

• Where settings can keep children and young people in those small groups 2 metres away from each other, they should do so.
• Desks should be spaced as far apart as possible.

I realise that this could cause further frustration to those parents/carers who would like their children to return to school.  However, as I have mentioned before these restrictions are impacting on the whole country and the staff team have no additional capacity beyond what is currently offered.

I am hopeful that I will be able to give you more information, prior to the end of the academic year, on how we will recommence in September with full attendance. 

In conjunction with Elvington Parish Council, we will be running a competition to design anti dog fouling signs.  If your child would like to enter, please send a scanned image of their design to office@elvingtonprimary.org.uk (retain their original design).  The competition is open to children across all year groups, with three winners receiving book vouchers from the Parish Council.  Please ensure you have emailed the scanned image by Friday 3^rd July.  The winning designs will then be used to encourage responsible dog owner habits in Elvington.

Explore York will launch the Summer Reading Challenge on Friday 10^th July.  Children can access the challenge from the website: https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/join-in or from Explore York’s website, where children can also download e-books:
www.exploreyork.org.uk/children/summer-reading-challenge/

Could I please remind the parents/carers of children in Year 6, that the recordings referred to in last week’s letter, should be sent to me by Friday 3^rd July, at the latest.

We will be setting a number of sporting challenges next week (via Twitter).  Please look out for these and let us know what you achieve…

Yours sincerely,

Mr. Andrew Buttery