Marton & District C E Aided Primary School

Many thanks for joining us all this week via the various Zoom meetings and lessons that have taken place. It really is so lovely to see you all at home!

As a staff we want to reassure you that we understand that the challenges of this lockdown are not the same as they were in the summer. Many parents are finding remote learning at home unmanageable and children are reluctant to work. The activities that we have set for year groups are suggestions. They are because we have to provide a remote learning curriculum that the Government have instructed schools to do but many, many school leaders are finding this is actually unrealistic and its causing many families distress. This morning our Chair of Governors, Mrs Furness and I were part of a Diocesan Zoom and much discussion took place regarding remote learning/live lessons and how these were not practical for primary children. I am part of the Congleton Headteacher group and much of our discussions and texts this week have been regarding remote learning and our shared concern for families.

At Marton we want to support you so we will continue with Seesaw activities, work packs, Live Zoom meetings, pre-recorded staff videos and teaching and by listening to you. PLEASE do not feel you have to do all the tasks set. It would be unrealistic to assume your children are able to do this at home, whilst many of you are trying to work from home! The children of critical key workers (who are doing their remote learning in school) are also finding this a challenge.

Information coming out in the press is frustrating as we know the education landscape is constantly changing. Good news to share though is the confirmation of free school meal supermarket vouchers starting next week and that all testing (SATs, Phonics and Multiplication checks) has been ceased this year. This is because it would be unreasonable to test children when schools have been closed. Instead we will adopt a Recovery Curriculum as we did in September when schools reopen.

I would like to openly thank the staff this week as their working hours have significantly increased. They are now working all day in school and accessing Seesaw day and night. I have urged them to respect a work - life balance (I’m still trying to understand what that is) but hope you will join me in understanding that they will NOT be responding to Seesaw messages over the weekend or after 7pm at night. They too, need to spend time with their families and look after themselves.

Please continue to look after yourselves and each other. We miss you all very much, Nevin Deakin