On 4 January 2021, the Prime Minister announced a new national lockdown. During the lockdown, schools across the country have been instructed to only allow vulnerable children and young people and the children of critical workers to attend, as you know all pupils and students that attend Collingwood are classed as vulnerable under government guidance. The intention is that all other young people will learn remotely until at least the February half term.
The government asking to limit attendance in schools does not suggest that Collingwood is a less safe place. Instead, given rapidly rising numbers of cases across the country and intense pressure on the NHS, the government is acting to reduce the number of contacts we all have with people in other households.
We will continue to record attendance during the national lockdown. However, if you wish your child to be absent, we are expected by the Government to authorise this absence. There will be no penalties for absence during this time.