Yesterday, the government announced that schools in Waltham Forest will not be reopening as normal next week. Primary schools will not open on the 4 January for face-to-face teaching except for vulnerable children and children of critical workers. This will be in place until at least 18 January when it will be reviewed.
From the 4 January, secondary schools will be providing face-to-face teaching only to vulnerable children and the children of critical workers. For students in Years 11 and 13, remote learning will be provided until they return to face-to-face teaching on the 11 January. Remote education will be given to all other students where resources allow.
Early years and childcare, including nurseries, can continue but is not compulsory and alternative provision and special schools will reopen flexibly from Monday 4 January. Please visit our website for more information.
The decision on schools is to try and stem the spread of the virus and with 2,500 residents testing positive in Waltham Forest in the past week alone, we all have to play our part. We all know that the health service is struggling with the increased infection rates and with the amount of new cases each day in Waltham Forest and across the country these pressures won’t reduce anytime soon. Please do follow the advice and do not meet with people outside of your households like you normally would on New Years Eve.
As we approach 2021, I'd like to take a moment to thank the people of Waltham Forest. This year has been the most challenging year we have ever had, however the community spirit seen across the borough has been outstanding. Thank you to every volunteer who has helped us support vulnerable residents, every business who has adapted their service to make it Covid-19 safe and to every resident who has ordered a free face mask, taking preventative measures to keep each other safe.
And thank you to our NHS, emergency services, teachers and key workers, who have continued to work their hardest through the pandemic, keeping us safe and Waltham Forest going.
Together, let's look to a brighter 2021. Happy New Year to you and your families and please stay safe.
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