EPS Updated Return Letter 15.3.21(High Priority) A

Communities and Education Directorate

Dr. Audrey Sutton, Executive Director
Heads of Service: Andrew McClelland and Caroline Amos

Elderbank Primary School, Early Years and Supported Learning

Head Teacher: Miss Jacqueline Robertson

St Kilda Bank, Broomlands, Irvine. KA11 4HL

Tel: 01294 218632
E-Mail: [email protected]
Our Ref: Blended Learning from 15.3.21

Date: 11th March 2021

Dear parents and carers of children within Supported Learning,

Supported Learning Provision
Continuation of Blended Learning P4-7

This morning we distributed a newsletter and outlined some of the staffing challenges we had
faced and embraced. As you are aware the Scottish Government announcement made on the 2nd
March was it was ‘expected that all pupils would return on the 15th March’. It is our responsibility
to rigorously risk-assess the return and ensure that we have sufficient numbers of trained staff to
support your children.

We were aware of the impending challenges following the government’s announcement on the
2nd March and have worked tirelessly to engage suitably trained staff to cover a significant level
of staff absence. We have staff within the Supported Learning Base who are shielding, are
isolating and unwell. Unfortunately, there are no available specialist staff and, with further staff
absence this week, we have been faced with a very difficult decision.

Following discussions with Senior Managers, Heads of Service and the Director of
Education, it has been decided that the only way to ensure safe educational provision for
our children is to continue with the blended learning model.

This model enabled children to start a week earlier than the mainstream cohort and will continue
for your child until the 1st April 2021.

We understand that this may cause concern for you and your family, however your child’s safety
is paramount. This model will remain under constant review and is being closely monitored by the
Directorate team.

The pattern of attendance will be:

Group A Group B
 Monday 15th, Tuesday 16th, Wednesday 17th ,  Thursday 18th, Friday 19th
 Monday 22nd, Tuesday 23rd,  Wednesday 24th, Thursday 25th, Friday 26th
 Monday 29th Tuesday 30th  Wednesday 31st March, Thursday 1st April.

Your child will be in Group A.

Please be assured that to allow us to provide the safe and necessary care for your child, this
model is in their best interests.

Should staff be able to return earlier than currently indicated, please be assured I will make
arrangements to have your child in school full-time at the earliest opportunity.

Kind regards,

Miss J Robertson
Head Teacher

CC: Dr. Audrey Sutton, Executive Director
Andrew McClelland, Head of Service
Caroline Amos, Head of Service
Philip Gosnay, Link Senior Manager (ASN)
Lindsay Morris, Link Senior Manager