Dear Parents/Carers and Students,

I am delighted to inform you that all students will return to Walsall Studio School full time in September and will follow their full curriculum, albeit with some restrictions placed on movement and timings of the day as a result of Covid-19.

The main difference when they return will be students operating in Key Stage ‘learning bubbles’, meaning Year 10 and 11 (Key Stage 4) will form one learning bubble and Year 12 and 13 (Key Stage 5) the second.  The second major variance will be the timing of the school day, which will see students arriving and leaving at different times, as we endeavour to keep Key Stages together.  Students will also be washing or sanitising their hands more often and this will form part of their end of day/ session entry and exit strategy.

In order to stagger start and finish times without shortening learning time, we will integrate morning break into extended session times. Lunch breaks and tutor time will carousel around Key Stages, allowing for the thorough cleaning of tables and chairs between sittings whilst ensuring appropriate measure are in place to maintain social distancing between them.

Additionally, to support infection control measures and increase our operational flexibility, Key Stage 4 will not be able to access their mobile phones during lunch time.  We see this very much as a temporary measure and we will return to our normal routines as soon as we are able to. Students are expected to attend school in full uniform, and in line with government guidelines can I remind you that masks should be worn when traveling to and from school on public transport.  A copy of daily arrangements for each Key Stage are given overleaf and your child’s new timetable will be issued on their return.

Finally, as of September, attendance at school will be compulsory with a full curriculum and exams expected to take place in summer 2021.  It is understandable that some students may be anxious about returning to school, but we are making sure that we are minimising the risk of transmission as much as possible.  If you have concerns about sending your child back in September, please contact the school and ask to speak with your child’s Pastoral Leader as whilst we will endeavour to support families during their transition, it is also important that I make you aware of our attendance expectations and the policy that governs these at Walsall Studio School.  Both our attendance policy and Covid-19 risk assessments can be found on our school website and this will be updated prior to returning in September.

I hope you have a restful summer and I look forward to seeing you all again in September.

Yours sincerely,

Mr. Darren Perry