29.9.21 - Message from the Director of Education re COVID19 and other matters
FAO: All Schools / All Phases
Dear Headteacher/Principal/CEO,
I very much hope you are well as the nights start to draw in and we move into the autumnal season of coughs, sneezes and the like! COVID cases are still relatively low at the moment but rising and a number of schools have had to send classes home for remote learning whilst a considerable number of others are bringing in precautionary or preventative measures. We are here to support schools with any queries, concerns or support needed so please do not hesitate to make contact at any time if needed.
i) Petrol concerns - as you know, this is a major national issue. SEND school transport is not affected as the service has its own diesel fuel supplies. School staff and others of course could have considerable difficulty getting to work. If this is becoming a considerable concern for you, please can you let me know in order to feed back to the DfE and to support council decision making.
ii) Anti-Vax – There has been some limited anti-vax activity including a spoof consent form which was sent to secondary schools which has now been picked up by the DfE. There has only been at least one minor demonstration outside a school. We have provided some legal support as and when necessary to deal with this and liaise with the local police as necessary. If you have any concerns, please let me know as soon as you can so prompt action can be taken as needed.
iii) NHS Vaccination Webinar for Schools – PHE have organised a webinar for secondary school leaders on vaccinations for 12-15 olds – see attachment which contains a link to the meeting. The email attached is self-explanatory. This is taking place this Friday from 2pm to 3pm with vaccine experts in the panel.
iv) Headteacher Briefing 7th October – 10:30am to 12pm – This meeting will provide updates on COVID19/vaccinations and any current related issues: School finances for 2022/23 and anticipated funding levels: the new legal duty for schools (and others) relating to Neglect and the council’s draft neglect strategy: the Youth Alive social prescribing programme: feedback from schools on recent Ofsted inspections: good practice presentation from an Enfield school. I will send out a final agenda shortly before the meeting.
v Neglect Strategy - Please find attached a draft strategy on Neglect for your consideration which is and will be a key part of any approach to safeguarding. There will be opportunity to feed into this document and it is planned that there will be a range of training opportunities in the future for DSLs and all staff.
vi) Youth Alive Social Prescribing - Please find attached a letter for you (headteachers) and a letter for all parents explaining the Youth Alive programme with a referral programme. This will be explained in more detail at the headteacher briefing but this fits in with a broader strategy being used by GPs too.
I hope the rest of the week goes well for you. Apart from work, for me it is harvesting time ( 8 large pumpkins!!) and clearing time on the allotment as well going to more live music (the interesting life of Nina Simone on Friday).
Best wishes
Peter Nathan
Director of Education
People Department
Enfield Council