28 May 2020

Dear Parents and Carers,

Thank you for your patience whilst the Board Of Directors has been considering the best way to proceed as we move towards re-opening primary academies. There is a great deal to consider, and safety has been at the forefront of directors’ minds throughout.

The re-opening of SNMAT primary academies will progress in phases. During each phase we will review our work to ensure that, before moving on to the next phase, it is safe to do so.

The directors are clear that:

• SNMAT academies will prioritise vulnerable pupils and the children of critical (also known as ‘key’) workers.
• Before extending any provision and taking in more children, headteachers and senior leaders need time to ensure that the government’s new guidance (published on Sunday, 24 May) can be implemented. This guidance is impacting on risk assessments that we are currently undertaking.
• We must protect the groups of children and staff that either currently exist, or will be created as we move forward. This will mean that we move cautiously and steadily.
• Vulnerable children, and children of critical workers who have already been accessing the academy will continue to do so from 1 June. 

We have assigned specific dates to the first two phases:

1. Phase 1: 8 June

1. 1. SNMAT primary academies will open to the children of key workers who are not currently accessing the academy. This may be a phased re-opening for this group, with part-time provision a strong likelihood. 
   2. If the academy has further capacity, we will begin to welcome back children in Y1 on 8 June.

1. Phase 2: 15 June: If the academy has further capacity, we will extend the offer to more children. This may be phased and part-time, as new systems are embedded.

Headteachers will be in touch with you to share local arrangements. 

Yours faithfully,

Chris Moodie

Chief Executive Officer

Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham Multi Academy Trust (SNMAT)