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
Summer Holiday Free School Meals Letter - Please read this letter to learn about our plans for the Summer.
Digital Safety During COVID-19:
Find information and links below for each area on how to keep yourself and others safe online:
Safeguarding During Summer Holidays
During the summer holidays, although we will not be making our usual calls to check in with you and your child, 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.
PREVENT
During the Summer Break, it's really important that you understand the potential online dangers posed to children and young people. Here you will find information around the PREVENT strategy and what you should look out for. If you find your child is in danger of being radicalised online the information here will help you to understand what to do and where to get help.
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
Update 6th August 2020
Appeal arrangements for AS, A levels and GCSEs
Student guide to appeals and malpractice or maladministration complaints: summer 2020
Student guide to post-16 qualification results: summer 2020
School attendance: guidance for schools
Update 24th July 2020
Most comprehensive flu programme in UK history will be rolled out this winter
Update 17th July 2020
Good Morning
I hope our communication with you has been regular and supportive enough. I wonder if, in some cases we may have been overly enthusiastic.
We have continued to receive guidance from the Government and are following it closely to ensure we are able to welcome everyone back safely in September.
I think we know that it will not necessarily be that easy for everyone coming back to school in September. In the first few months in particular, we will be looking to assist those students who may and could be struggling to cope. If, in the new term, communication between home & school continues to be regular and supportive, it will help a lot.
Keep in touch and take care.
Bill Curley
Update 15th July 2020
Providing free school meals during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Update 14th July 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19): initial teacher training (ITT)
Providing apprenticeships during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Update 13th July 2020
Taking exams during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Update 10th July 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on the phased return of sport and recreation
16 to 19 funding: free meals in further education funded institutions for 2019 to 2020
Update 8th July 2020
What FE colleges and providers will need to do from the start of the 2020 autumn term
Update 2nd July 2020
Schools and colleges to reopen in full in September
Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Guidance for full opening: special schools and other specialist settings
Actions for FE colleges and providers during the coronavirus outbreak
Higher education: reopening buildings and campuses
Update 1st July 2020
Update 30th June 2020
Update 29th June 2020
Work continues behind the scenes to ensure that we are able to welcome more students back safely. It is expected and being planned for, that the last two weeks of this term will see an increase in student numbers; TAN, for example, will re-open the Lower School. This is as a result of feedback received from parents and carers during those ongoing communications with the Trust.
It is still unclear what the situation will be like in September but I am sure there will be more pronouncements from the Government and I will get back to you before the end of term.
Bill Curley
PM announces transformative school rebuilding programme
Update 26th June 2020
Reducing burdens on educational and care settings
COVID-19: Guidance for managing playgrounds and outdoor gyms
Update 25th June 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Keeping children safe from abuse and harm
ESFA post-16 provider relief scheme (July to October 2020)
ESFA ESF provider relief scheme 2 (July to October 2020)
Update 24th June 2020
Staying safe outside your home
Update 22nd June 2020
Thousands of children to benefit from free meals and activities
Update 19th June 2020
Billion pound Covid catch-up plan to tackle impact of lost teaching time
Covid-19 support guide for schools
Update 17th June 2020
FE funding: initial teacher education (ITE), academic year 2020 to 2021
Early years and childcare: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Update 16th June 2020
I hope you are well.
In the context of so much advice and guidance swirling around about children returning to school, some of it conflicting, I thought it maybe useful to explain where we are.
It is apparent that parents and carers have been really sensible during the crisis, and like ourselves, have put safety as their top priority. To that extent nothing has changed, although we have been working on measures to control the risk for students and staff. Last week we consulted with staff and trade unions on these measures, as we have to do, and this week these plans are being customised for each Academy and site, and again we will consult with staff and trade unions.
We have a further complication as a special school, apart from most of the current guidance not applying to us, and that is in ensuring that distance between children, and children and staff is maintained. I know you are sensitive to this issue and I believe we will arrive at some flexible solutions together.
If you haven't already, please have a conversation with your regular Academy contact about this and the degree to which some form of return could be possible and when.
For the moment we are concentrating on this five week period which will take us up to the Summer Holidays.
Bill Curley
CEO of Trinity Academy Newcastle Trust
Update 12th June 2020
Examples of teaching practice during coronavirus (COVID-19)
The transition to our new normal will not be straightforward
Update 9th June 2020
Study launched to monitor prevalence of COVID-19 in schools
Education Settings: Wider Opening
Update 8th June 2020
Teaching about mental wellbeing
Update 2nd June 2020
Ofsted to review students’ and apprentices’ online further education experience
Update 29th May 2020
Update 28th May 2020
PM press conference statement on the five tests: 28 May 2020
Update 27th May 2020
Government launches NHS Test and Trace service
Update 24th May 2020
PM confirms schools, colleges and nurseries on track to begin phased reopening
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
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 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 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
Update 10th May 2020
PM address to the nation on coronavirus: 10 May 2020
Update 1st May 2020
New virtual cyber school gives teens chance to try out as cyber security agents from home
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
Response to 9 April direction from Secretary of State for Education
Ofqual consultation on awarding vocational and technical qualifications in summer 2020
Multi-million support for vulnerable children during COVID-19
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.
Update 21st April 2020
Aldi joins Free School Meal voucher scheme
Update 19th April 2020
Gavin Williamson speech on COVID-19 response
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): school and college performance measures
Update 7th April 2020
Extra support for schools and parents to help cope with coronavirus
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