Coronavirus - Update for the Reading School community
We cannot stress enough how important it is to practice social distancing as a key step in saving lives. Every one of us has a role to play.
We are proud of the way our students have reacted in these challenging times and our teaching and support staff have responded exceptionally to this crisis.
From Tuesday 24 March only those involved in ensuring the following are permitted on the Reading School site:
- Members of the Estates Team to ensure essential operations so that the site is safe and secure.
- Reading School is only open for our vulnerable students or those whose parents are critical workers and have informed the School. In light of the above additional measures, the Senior Leadership team will provide care and education for pupils of critical workers. The government guidance is extremely clear: If you are a critical worker and are able to keep your children at home then you should do so.
- We have been delighted with the enthusiasm and commitment of students and staff to remote learning. We will continue to monitor and review our processes in order to further improve this service. All students should continue to 'attend' remote lessons, complete work and engage with teachers as directed by each lesson.
- Staff who reside on the School site are permitted to remain on the site but must comply fully with the instructions regarding social distancing.
- Behind the scenes, teachers and staff are working hard to ensure that all year groups remain engaged, but in particular Year 11 and Year 13, as we follow guidelines with regards to grade calculations.
- Reading School is following and acting upon Department of Health daily updates on the spread of the coronavirus and guidelines issued by Public Health England.
Wellbeing
The challenges of the current pandemic mean that it is important to take care of both our physical and mental health. Please see a list of helpful resources below:
- Headspace: For the next few months, there will be a free section in the Headspace app called Weathering the storm, available to everyone. It includes meditation, sleep, and movement exercises designed to help guide you through this. It’s their small way of helping you find some space and kindness for yourself, and those around you.
- Spending more time with family, carers or friends may create difficult situations, especially for those coping with any pre-existing family challenges of tensions. The Children's Society asked one of their well-being practitioners to share her top tips for dealing conflict at home.
- In these challenging times, ‘Heads Together’ have put together a set of activities to ease anxiety plus other helpful advice, helplines and resources for parents and children.
- If there are concerns about a young person's mental health during this difficult time, you can contact the Young Minds helplines:
- Parents’ Helpline: If you are a parent who needs advice about your child’s mental health you can contact the Parents’ Helpline directly on 0808 802 5544 between 9:30am-4pm
- Young Minds Crisis Messenger: If you are a young person experiencing a mental health crisis you can text YM to 85258 for free 24/7 support.
- There are also useful resources at Mind - Coronavirus and your wellbeing.
Mr A M Robson, Headmaster said:
“I was pleased when we received the Sunday Times State School of the Year Award for the South East in November 2019. But it pales into insignificance compared to my pride in being a part of a superb community as illustrated by the commitment of staff, understanding of students and the charity of parents over the last week.
This pandemic will undoubtedly have serious implications for all of us, but it is vital to remember that this situation will pass, but until it does, we are here to support the Reading School family whenever and however we can.
I will continue to keep our parent and student community updated via daily direct communication.”
Thank you for your continued support and understanding in these unprecedented times.
At a time where technology is at the heart of all communication, please continue to follow us via:
#ViaRedingensis #ReadingSchoolFamily #OldRedingensians #BetterTogether #BuildingGoodMen #Community #Covid19 #Wellbeing