When we started the school year last September, who would have imagined that only half way through the year we would be closing the doors due to a world wide pandemic.

The Corona virus outbreak has certainly meant that we have had to make significant changes to our every day lives.  We have missed seeing the people that we love the most and have missed the normal routines and security that going to school and work gives us.

If any of you have been affected directly by the virus through being ill yourselves, or having a family member that has been ill, I hope that you have fully recovered. If any of you has lost a love one then I send my sincere and heartfelt sympathies to you.

Since lockdown, school has remained open. First to children of key workers and those that are most vulnerable. We remained open throughout the Easter and May holidays to continue that provision and then on 1^st June we welcomed back children in Year 1 and Year 6.

We have provided work packs and on-line learning for everyone and made thousands of telephone calls to check on the welfare of our children. We have given out lots of food parcels and you might be interested to know that we have processed over £58000 worth of free school meal vouchers for Woodgate families.

There have been may changes in school to make sure that the school site can be used safely when all of the children return in September. There is increased cleaning, social distancing measures in place and regular handwashing takes place throughout the day.

It is really important that you read the guidance for opening that is published on this page so that you know exactly what you and your children should do when on the school site.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the Woodgate staff, teachers, teaching assistants, office staff, lunchtime supervisors, cleaning staff and the very important Mr Brazier our site supervisor. Without the hard work of everyone, and the support that they provide each other we would not have been as effective and successful in all that we have done over the past 4 months.

I have always maintained that to work at Woodgate with the staff and the families that I work with is a privilege. The last 4 months has proven that to be true. Woodgate is truly a happy place to be.

I would like to give our Year 6 children a very special mention. They have missed out on the usual activities that help them to prepare for life at secondary school, but I know that they are ready to move on and will be simply amazing.

We can’t wait to welcome all of the children back in September and move on with the next stage of their learning. Please be reassured that we will be starting off gently, letting the children get used to being back in school, establishing their friendships and getting used to the new routines.

I hope that despite the restrictions that are still in place, you will be able to enjoy a few weeks of sunshine and fun over the next 6 weeks.