COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Update
Department for Education Coronavirus helpline
Helpline to answer questions about COVID-19 related to education. Staff, parents and young people can contact the helpline as follows:
Phone: 0800 046 8687
Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk
Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday)
Are you entitled to Free School Meals?
If you've had a change in circumstances then you might be, contact your local authority to find out: https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals
Sunderland: https://www.togetherforchildren.org.uk/families/free-school-meals
Update 26th May 2020
Supporting children and young people with SEND as schools and colleges prepare for wider opening
Update 25th May 2020
Preparing for the wider opening of schools from 1 June
Update 24th May 2020
PM confirms schools, colleges and nurseries on track to begin phased reopening
Preparing for the wider opening of early years and childcare settings from 1 June
Update 22nd May 2020
Safeguarding During May Half Term
During the May Half Term break, although we will not be making our usual calls to you, we are still interested in how you are doing. In order to ensure you continue to have support if you need it, we urge you to contact us on the Trust email address admin.central@tanmat.org. This will be monitored during school times by our Trust Safeguarding Lead, Michelle Higgins who will be able to signpost you to the most appropriate person to speak to.
Our website is full of useful resources to support you with emotional well-being, online safety for your child and Domestic Abuse.
We have again added a list of numbers in your area if you have child protection concerns around any child you know, or if you need further support. You can contact both during school hours and out of hours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us by email, preferably but you can also text/ring Michelle in an emergency on 07718324658 during school hours.
Domestic Abuse Helplines
REFUGE 0808 2000 247 - https://www.refuge.org.uk/
WOMEN’S AID - https://www.womensaid.org.uk/
HARBOUR - https://www.myharbour.org.uk/
POLICE - 999 in an emergency
Safeguarding Advice and Guidance Links
Letter to Parents and Carers - 22 May 2020
Update 21st May 2020
Help secondary school children continue their education during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Help primary school children continue their education during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Update 19th May 2020
Trinity Solutions Academy Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/TSA_Continuation_2020
Please take the Survey above to let us know what you're plans are for future education at Trinity Solutions Academy.
Update 16th May 2020
Education Secretary's statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 16 May
Update 15th May 2020
Supporting vulnerable children and young people during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus outbreak
Update 14th May 2020
Preparing for the wider opening of schools from 1 June
Update 13th May 2020
Dear Parents and Carers,
Re: Possible Re-opening of schools Further to my last message on the 11th of May 2020, we have received the government’s guidance on potentially re-opening schools. The guidance, as advised by the Government, is subject to change and we are assessing the considerable and complex challenges posed by the Government’s plan. Like most schools, we are not yet in a position to know to what extent it can be achieved.
So please do not make any plans just yet.
We are currently working closely with the Local Authority, Trade Unions and other Educational Institutions to carefully study the guidance and ensure that we are interpreting it correctly.
The Trust’s highest priority remains the safety and wellbeing of its learners, families and staff.
Whilst the discussions and planning continue, we understand that you may prefer to keep your child at home since you know what is best for the safety of your family. The Government has stated that there will be no penalty for non-attendance. In the meantime, two of our academies have remained open throughout the pandemic for a limited number of pupils.
When staff are in contact with you, please do share with them any anxieties and/or issues that you may have as this will aid our planning. I thank you for your patience.
Best wishes,
William Curley
CEO, Trinity Academy Newcastle Trust
Update 12th May 2020
Actions for educational and childcare settings to prepare for wider opening from 1 June 2020
Update 11th May 2020
Dear Parents, Carers and Learners,
I hope this letter finds you all safe and well. I wanted to write to you at this time as you may understandably be feeling anxious about your child’s return to school following weeks of intense media speculation and the Prime Minister’s announcement last night. I can assure you that the Trust’s highest priority remains the safety and wellbeing of its learners and staff.
We will await detailed government guidance which will be published later today. Following this, colleagues across the Trust will work tirelessly with the local authority, other educational institutions, and trade unions to put plans in place so that we can be ready to deal with whatever the government and Public Health England advises. I will write to you of our detailed plans in the coming weeks.
Two of our academies have remained open throughout the pandemic and will continue to do so for as long as it is safe and appropriate. Additionally, the Trust’s team of experts in Education and Parenting have been sharing tips, techniques, and resources to help young people continue their learning and to support family wellbeing.
On behalf of all colleagues, I thank you for the cooperation and support you have shown during these trying times.
Best wishes,
William Curley
CEO, Trinity Academy Newcastle Trust
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for schools and other educational settings
Our plan to rebuild: The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy
Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do
Actions for educational and childcare settings to prepare for wider opening from 1 June 2020
Update 10th May 2020
PM address to the nation on coronavirus: 10 May 2020
Update 6th May 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for children's social care services
DfE online education resources list: supplier application
Update 5th May 2020
Remote education practice for schools during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Case studies: remote education practice for schools during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Update 4th May 2020
Actions for HE providers during the coronavirus outbreak
Get technology support for children and schools during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Update 1st May 2020
New virtual cyber school gives teens chance to try out as cyber security agents from home
Update 30th April 2020
Providing free school meals during the coronavirus outbreak
Update 28th April 2020
Use of free early education entitlements funding during the coronavirus outbreak
Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
Update 24th April 2020
Dear Parents, Carers and Learners,
Firstly, I’d like to thank you all for your continued support of our staff and school community, which is evident when we speak with you several times a week. Secondly, I welcome you to join me in thanking our staff teams across all the academies who continue to remain open, serving the community by caring for children of key workers and those learners who are deemed vulnerable by the Department of Education’s guidelines.
Learning At Home
By now you should have received bespoke work packs for your children to continue their learning journeys. Our hard-working teams have created a wealth of resources to not only educate but also engage and have fun with your children. You will also find these on our social media pages for Trinity Academy Newcastle, Trinity Academy New Bridge, and Trinity Solutions. Additionally, the Department for Education has published several online resources to help parents support the continuation of education at home.
Staying Safe Online
Spending an increased amount of time online may cause you some understandable concerns. There is support available to help you keep your child safe online. You can access further information on keeping children safe online here. Additionally, materials to promote mental wellbeing are included in the list of online resources we have published to help children to learn at home.
Free School Meal Vouchers
We are continuing with the ASDA free school meal vouchers. We recently topped-up your gift card on 20th April 2020 and will do so again on 4th May 2020. Depending on the funding guidelines, these vouchers will continue to be topped up on a fortnightly basis until further notice. To check the current balance of your e-card, please visit www.asda.com/giftcard. You will need your card number and Pin number – these can be found on your E-voucher.
The Trust continues to monitor the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and its impact. Our priority remains the health, safety, and wellbeing of our community. So lastly, I thank all of you for remaining kind to, and supportive of those around you, and of our staff team who work tirelessly through the current circumstances to ensure that we continue to strive for excellence and change lives on a daily basis.
Best wishes,
William Curley
CEO, Trinity Academy Newcastle Trust
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for schools and other educational settings
Response to 9 April direction from Secretary of State for Education
Ofqual consultation on awarding vocational and technical qualifications in summer 2020
Get technology support for children and schools during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Awarding qualifications in summer 2020
Multi-million support for vulnerable children during COVID-19
16 to 19 Bursary Fund guide: 2019 to 2020 academic year
16 to 19 education: funding allocations
16 to 19 education: financial support for students
Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting tested
Update 23rd April 2020
Trinity Solutions Academy/Trinity Post-16 Solutions Ltd
Information: increased fraud risk during coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Periods of instability, such as during the coronavirus pandemic, bring an increased risk of fraud. Fraudsters will actively exploit these difficult times and will target vulnerable areas for financial gain.
We have been informed some learners and parents have received a letter from ESFA asking for personal learner bank details in relation to the 16-19 Bursary Fund. We never ask for personal bank account details. This is a fraudulent letter – please do not respond.
Where possible, it would be helpful for institutions to share this message with parents and students through your communication channels.
What parents and carers need to know about schools and education during the coronavirus outbreak
Update 21st April 2020
Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus outbreak
Aldi joins Free School Meal voucher scheme
Update 19th April 2020
Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
What parents and carers need to know about schools and education during the coronavirus outbreak
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for schools and other educational settings
Gavin Williamson speech on COVID-19 response
Supporting vulnerable children and young people during the coronavirus outbreak
Help children aged 2 to 4 to learn at home during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Safeguarding and remote education during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Update 16th April 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Closure of educational settings: information for parents and carers
Update 15th April 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19): early years and childcare closures
Exceptional arrangements for exam grading and assessment in 2020
Update 14th April 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for schools and other educational settings
Admission appeals for school places
Update 9th April 2020
Ofsted: coronavirus (COVID-19) rolling update
Coronavirus (COVID-19): school closures
Update 8th April 2020
Trinity Academy New Bridge
Hello to all of our students, their parents/carers and their families,
I hope that you are all keeping well and staying safe. I would like to thank you for your continued support and understanding during this difficult period and I know we all look forward to a time when things can return to normal.
We know how tough it is for all of you and would like to reassure you that we are here to help and support you throughout the holiday period and beyond. We will continue to make regular phone calls to you all, but if require additional support please text this number or email Admin.central@tanmat.org
Wishing you all a Happy Easter from me and the Trinity New Bridge team.
Stay strong, Mr Tully
Trinity Academy Newcastle
Hello to all of our students, parents/carers and their families,
In this extraordinary time, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all of the support you have shown us over the past few weeks.
We will continue to work together to beat this virus so that we can come out of this as soon as possible.
We want to assure you that we are available throughout the week(s) to support you. We will continue to make our regular phone calls, but if you require additional support please do not hesitate to contact the school mobile numbers or the school email: admin.central@tanmat.org
This message goes out to our students and their parents/carers.
From myself and the Trinity Team: We wish you all a happy Easter.
Stay strong, Mr Flint
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for schools and other educational settings
Coronavirus (COVID-19): school and college performance measures
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on isolation for residential educational settings
Update 7th April 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19): free school meals guidance
Coronavirus (COVID-19): implementing social distancing in education and childcare settings
Coronavirus (COVID-19): financial support for schools
Coronavirus (COVID 19): online education resources
Extra support for schools and parents to help cope with coronavirus
Ofsted: coronavirus (COVID-19) rolling update
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for schools and other educational settings
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for schools and other educational settings
Coronavirus (COVID-19): school closures
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Closure of educational settings: information for parents and carers
Exams Update 6th April 2020
Dear Learners, Parents, and Carers
To those of you who were entered for examinations this year, thank you for being patient during these unsettling times. The DfE, Ofqual and awarding bodies have now provided guidance on how grades will be calculated. Your grades will be based largely on your…
- performance in the mock examinations,
- classwork
- homework
We will use the above to assign a grade we believe you were most likely to get if the COVID-19 pandemic never arose, considering the loss of valuable teaching and learning time. Along with this, we will send evidence of your work (if required), and your ranking among peers in every subject you have been entered for. These will be assessed by the awarding bodies to ensure the results are fair and that no learner is disadvantaged by these unforeseen circumstances.
We are not permitted to share any of these with yourselves as the awarding bodies will make the final judgments. They have assured us that the results will not be delayed, so you will still receive the results on Thursday, 20th August 2020.
If you are not happy with your results, you will be able to re-sit the examinations in the Autumn term as soon as it is safe and viable to do so.
You are not required to do anything at this point. If this changes, we will contact you.
The Trust continues to monitor the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and its impact. Our priority remains the health, safety, and wellbeing of our community. So lastly, I thank all of you for remaining kind to, and supportive of those around you, and of our staff team who work tirelessly through the current circumstances to ensure that we continue to strive for excellence and change lives on a daily basis.
Best wishes,
William Curley
CEO, Trinity Academy Newcastle Trust
Update 3rd April 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19): attendance recording for educational settings
How GCSEs, AS & A levels will be awarded in summer 2020
GCSEs, AS and A level awarding: summer 2020
Direction issued to the Chief Regulator of Ofqual
Thank you message from the Secretary of State for Education
Easter Holiday Update 2nd April 2020
Trinity Academy Newcastle
A message for all Trinity Academy Newcastle parents and carers re the Easter period:
I hope that you and your families are all keeping well and staying safe during this unprecedented time.
We currently have only a small number of students attending school with none requiring special provision over the holiday period. On this basis we have decided not to open the school building during the two week Easter break.
Myself & senior team will be available over this time and we will continue to keep in touch with you over the break, you can get in touch at any time via the website. Please let us know if your circumstances change and we will do everything we can to support and accommodate you.
Best wishes
Mark Flint
Head of School
Trinity Academy Newcastle
Trinity Academy New Bridge
I hope that you and your families are all keeping well and staying safe during this unprecedented time.
We currently have no students attending school and none that are expected to return within the next week or two. On this basis we have decided not to open the school building during the two week Easter break.
My senior team and I will be available over this time and we will continue to keep in touch with you over the break. You can also get in touch at any time via the website. Please let us know if your circumstances change and we will do everything we can to support and accommodate you.
Best wishes
Patrick Tully
Head of School
Trinity Academy New Bridge
Trinity Solutions Academy
A message for all Trinity Solutions Academy parents and carers re the Easter period:
I hope that you and your families are all keeping well and staying safe during this unprecedented time.
We currently have no students attending college with none requiring special provision over the holiday period. On this basis we have decided not to open the school building during the two week Easter break.
Myself & senior team will be available over this time and we will continue to keep in touch with you over the break, you can get in touch at any time via the website. Please let us know if your circumstances change and we will do everything we can to support and accommodate you.
Best wishes
Lynn Mcnally
Head of School
Trinity Solutions Academy
Trinity Post-16 Solutions Ltd
A message for all Trinity Post 16 Solutions Ltd parents and carers re the Easter period:
I hope that you and your families are all keeping well and staying safe during this unprecedented time.
We currently have no students attending college with none requiring special provision over the holiday period. On this basis we have decided not to open the school building during the two week Easter break.
Myself & senior team will be available over this time and we will continue to keep in touch with you over the break, you can get in touch at any time via the website. Please let us know if your circumstances change and we will do everything we can to support and accommodate you.
Best wishes
Lynn Mcnally
Head of School
Trinity Post 16 Solutions Ltd
Ofsted: coronavirus (COVID-19) rolling update
Update 1st April 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for schools and other educational settings
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on vulnerable children and young people
Update 31st March 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19): school closures
Coronavirus (COVID-19): free school meals guidance
Closure of educational settings: information for parents and carers
Update 27th March 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on vulnerable children and young people
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safeguarding in schools, colleges and other providers
Update 26th March 2020
COVID-19: guidance for educational settings
COVID-19: guidance for education settings
Update 25th March 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel advice for educational settings
Safeguarding update
Our teams are making calls to ensure all our families are safe and well.
So if you have a missed call or a text from a number you do not recognise, it is probably from us.
Please let us know how you are doing!
Letter to all parents & carers from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families.
Today, we received a letter from Vicky Ford, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families.
It is addressed to all parents, carers of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The letter signposts key Covid-19 guidance published over the past week and you may find it useful.
Click here to read.
Free School Meals Vouchers for Trinity Academy Newcastle and Trinity Academy New Bridge
From Wednesday 25th March 2020 until further notice, we are providing Asda vouchers (instead of providing a packed lunch for learners who are eligible for free school meals). These vouchers cover four weeks’ worth of free school meals.
Any learner attending school during this period will need to bring a packed lunch into school with them as the school kitchens will be temporarily closed.
Update 24th March 2020
Trinity Academy Newcastle Lower Site Closure
From Tuesday 24th March, the Trinity Academy Newcastle Lower Site (previously known as Deneview) will be closed until further notice. Local Authority SEN Transport is aware of this and children are being transported directly to our Upper school site, where they will be attending until further notice.
Free School Meals For Children On Roll at Trinity Academy Newcastle and Trinity Academy New Bridge
We are currently working with Asda to provide supermarket vouchers for learners entitled to Free School Meals. Further information to follow on when and how this will happen.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): implementing social distancing in education and childcare settings
Coronavirus (COVID-19): early years and childcare closures
Update 23rd March 2020
Trinity Solutions Academy and Post 16 Ltd has now closed until further notice.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): apprenticeship programme response
Coronavirus (COVID-19): maintaining further education provision
Staying at home and away from others (social distancing)
Update 22nd March 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19): school closures
Update 21st March 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on isolation for residential educational settings
Update 20th March 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19): cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2020
Dear Parents, Carers and Learners across Trinity Academy Newcastle Trust,
You may have heard in the news that Schools in the UK are to shut from Friday until further notice as a response to the coronavirus pandemic. As a special school, we will remain open as long as it is safe and viable to do so.
We will keep our social media and this section updated with our latest actions and decisions during this pandemic.
Safeguarding
Our safeguarding teams continue to operate as normal, so please do contact us should you have any concerns about the safety and wellbeing of a child. Additionally, we have made a list of local safeguarding provisions in the unlikely event of not being able to contact our teams.
Exams
I also have an update on the exams the learners have been working so hard for. The DfE has announced that all Primary (SATs) and Secondary exams are not going ahead this summer. The DfE and Ofqual are working on plans to ensure our learners get the qualifications they need to move on to the next phase of their lives.
Self-Isolating
Students that should attend, but are self-isolating due to them or a family member being affected by Coronavirus, must not return to their provision until after 14 days. Any students who return before this period will be sent home.
In the meanwhile, for those who have understandably chosen to self-isolate your children, we have prepared work packs for every year group so the learners do not miss out key developmental milestones in their educational journey. These will be sent out by post and you will also find downloadable copies by clicking the links below…
Trinity Academy Newcastle – Lower Site
Trinity Academy Newcastle – Upper Site
Trinity Academy New Bridge
Trinity Solutions Academy
Trinity Post-16 Solutions Ltd
Free School Meals
Trinity Academy Newcastle: For those students self-isolating, a packed lunch will be delivered to your door from Monday 23rd March 2020. We will notify you of any changes to this.
Trinity Academy New Bridge: For those students self-isolating, a packed lunch will be delivered to your door from Monday 23rd March 2020. We will notify you of any changes to this.
Post-16 learners
From Friday 20th March 2020, Trinity Solutions Academy will be closed for all students other than those students who have an Education, Health and Care Plan.
For those eligible for bursaries and/or Free School Meals, the payments will continue as normal. For those learners who are not expected to travel to college, no travel reimbursements will take place.
For students who have an Education, Health and Care Plan, Trinity Solutions Academy and Post-16 Solutions Ltd. will remain open as usual. There is no change to their Bursary, Free School Meals or Travel payments.
Students that should attend, but are self-isolating due to them or a family member being affected by Coronavirus will receive Bursary and Free School Meals payment, but no travel reimbursement.
Best wishes,
William Curley
CEO, Trinity Academy Newcastle Trust
Update 19th March 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19): free school meals guidance
Update 18th March 2020
Schools, colleges and early years settings to close
Update 17th March 2020
Free childcare offers to continue during coronavirus closures
Update 16th March 2020
PM statement on coronavirus: 16 March 2020
Dear Parents, Carers and Learners across Trinity Academy Newcastle Trust,
I wanted to write to you at this time as you may understandably be feeling anxious about COVID-19 and what might happen in the coming days and weeks.
Firstly, at the moment we are not aware of anyone who has been tested positive among the Trust community and therefore it is important that we continue to operate as normal for as long as it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Secondly, I can assure you that colleagues across the Trust are working hard to put plans in place so that we can be ready to deal with whatever the government and Public Health England advises. This might include extending the Easter break for students, moving to remote delivery of teaching and learning resources (through Doddle, electronic “packs”, etc.), increasing homeworking where appropriate, or reducing school activities that bring with it a higher risk of contracting the virus.
Lastly, we are working closely with awarding bodies to ensure no learner is disadvantaged by the adverse effects of this pandemic. Our advice at this time is to continue to prepare for exams and other qualification assessments as normal.
This week, our GCSE candidates are scheduled to undertake “mock” exams under strict exam conditions, which will be marked and moderated using the same criteria as the awarding bodies’. While we cannot guarantee whether this will become an acceptable body of evidence for the candidates’ skills, knowledge and abilities; we are going forward with this as an important mitigating action for three risks.
The first, however unlikely, is complete school closure over the exams season.
The second risk is the candidate contracting the infection over the exams season and being unable to complete the exam.
The third risk is the candidate (or their family) contracts the virus and is otherwise not able to fully engage with teaching and learning, thus affecting their performance.
The Trust is monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and its impact and doing all it can to keep its learners safe. This statement will be regularly updated as the latest advice from the Department for Education, The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), World Health Organisation (WHO),Public Health England (PHE), the Joint Council of Qualifications(JCQ) and Ofqual. Our priority remains the health, safety and wellbeing of our community, and as part of this I would encourage everyone to be thoughtful and supportive towards each other and ensure that we remain the diverse, welcoming, and affirming community that we are all so proud of. The attached WHO advice around protecting our mental health in relation to COVID-19 is also particularly helpful.
Best wishes,
William Curley
CEO, Trinity Academy Newcastle Trust
Update 12th March 2020
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection