14.12.2021
Meinir Ebbsworth
01545 570881 ME/NW
clic@ceredigion.gov.uk
Dear Parent / Guardian,
Reintroduction of Distance Learning from Monday 20th December until the end of the Christmas term
Thank you very much for supporting your child’s education during this challenging term. As a Council, we have decided that the county’s schools will be reverting to distance learning from Monday 20th December until the end of term.
The decision is based on the expectation of an imminent rapid and sudden increase in the Omicron variant, and also due to the daily challenges encountered in a number of schools due to staff absences. The aim is to minimise contacts in order to prevent the spread of the virus over the coming crucial weeks. There is clear medical advice that a third dose of the vaccine is an effective means of managing the new variant and the Local Health Board encourages everyone who wishes to receive the vaccine to do so as soon as they receive their invitation.
Planning now for the reintroduction of distance learning will ensure continued provision and a structured end of term. ICT equipment will be provided to families if needed, and the request for this should be made through the school.
Any pupil attending a specialist resource unit will be able to continue to do so until the end of term. Payments/vouchers for any pupil claiming free school meals will be adjusted to take the distance learning days into account.
Parents who are key workers, and cannot make alternative childcare arrangements, can have access to a childcare hub if necessary during this period. You will need to arrange this through discussions with the Headteacher of your school. Lunch will not be provided at the childcare hubs, and therefore a packed lunch will need to be prepared for these days. School transport will be provided as usual.
Your school will communicate with you directly tomorrow regarding local arrangements.
We very much appreciate your co-operation and wish you all the best over the Christmas period.
Yours sincerely,
Meinir Ebbsworth
Chief Education Officer for Ceredigion
