See here for the latest news and updates

• Updated Information on children returning to school in September

  Mon 31 Aug 2020 Julie Fardell

  I am sorry to advise that guidance has changed since my last post 10 days ago. The NHS has determined that they are not able to issue a "COVID-Secure Certificate" for children who require Aerosol-Generating Procedures (AGPs) such as ventilation, suctioning and nebulising) to return to school. Unfortunately that means that at this time, those children are unable to return. Your child's class teacher will be in contact with you to discuss ways that your child can still participate in their education. When the COVID-Secure Certificate is issued, the children will be able to return. (This applies to all Special Schools in Birmingham, not just Victoria.)

   

  The updated risk assessment and letter to parents have been uploaded on the website under: Key Information / September 2020 Returning to School.

   

  There has also been some confusing messages about the attendance of children in secondary schools and the wearing of masks by thos children. Secondary aged pupils at Victoria (except those requiring AGPs), can attend full-time from 3 September 2020. There is NO rota system in place. They are NOT required to wear masks at school. These strategies apply only to those areas where the COVID risk is rising. This is NOT the case in Northfield.

   

  As with everything related to Coronavirus, guidance on these matters is constantly being updated. We will keep you informed of any changes, as promptly as possible, vis the website.

• Welcome back, Risk Assessment and Information about COVID-19 for September

  Tue 25 Aug 2020 Julie Fardell

  We are very much looking forward to welcoming back our existing pupils and welcoming new pupils during September. However, the already complex procedures for the beginning of a new school year, are further complicated by the fact that Coronavirus is still about so we are fully committed to keeping our pupils, families and staff safe. I am attaching 2 lengthy documents: the full risk assessment for fully re-opening schools and a letter to parents, which is briefer and easier to read, that details important information about your child's return to school and taking protective strategies to reduce the transmission of Coronavirus. Please do take time to have a look at the Risk Assessment and to read the letter thoroughly. We hope that the 2020-21 school year is  less disrupted than the previous year and that your child will enjoy a rich year of learning experiences.

   

  Please go to the "Key Information" Tab to see these two documents under the "September 2020 Returning to School - Coronavirus Information" tab.

   

   

• Update on COVID-19 Situation in Birmingham from Ian Ward : Leader of BCC

  Wed 19 Aug 2020 Ian Ward

  Leader statement on current COVID-19 situation - 19 August 2020

  You may have heard in the news over the last couple of days that – Birmingham’s infection rate is now increasing. We’re not yet in the position other UK cities have been (in no small part thanks to your vigilance and hard work). But government is watching very closely over coming days, in case it looks like we’ll need to go back into lockdown.

   

  Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, has urged everyone to pull together to ensure the city tackles the threat posed by rising coronavirus case numbers, and you may like to take a look at the message that he has written that’s just been published on the council website here.

   

  We will continue to communicate key messages to you as this situation changes and develops to keep you fully informed. In the meantime – the basics such as regular hand washing, wearing face coverings inside public places, and keeping 2m away from others continue to have the biggest impact – and keep up the excellent work I know you are all doing to comply with the current requirements. Please also share the messages widely with your staff, parents, friends, and family as an ongoing reminder.