Wiltshire Council sends a message of support to parents, colleges, schools and early years settings

Wiltshire Council is sending a message of support to parents, colleges, schools and early years settings as changes come into effect today in response to the national lockdown.

The council will be providing support and advice after it was announced last night that schools and colleges would close and only be open for children of critical workers and vulnerable pupils until the February half-term break, in response to rising COVID-19 cases. 

Schools and colleges will be contacting their parents directly with details on remote learning and information on how lessons will continue. For families on Free School Meals, schools will also contact parents directly with information on how they will provide the meals.

Cllr Philip Whitehead, Leader of Wiltshire Council said: "I want to thank parents for supporting their children as they adjust to this new way of learning - it is going to be a challenge for everyone and I know they will continue to do everything they can.

"I also want to praise our hardworking school and college staff who are now busy preparing so students can continue learning remotely. They will also be opening up for children of key workers and vulnerable children providing that space for students who need to be in school or college. They have had to adapt to so many changes and I want to say thank you for their extraordinary efforts this year and for always putting pupils first in everything they do.

"Early years settings will remain open and again thank you to all our early years providers for being available for those families who need childcare during these difficult times. We are here and ready to provide support where needed."

Wiltshire Council's Family and Community Learning Team is providing a range of online courses for parents including help to support children with remote learning.  Parents will need either a laptop, tablet or smart phone with WIFI to log in online, some enrolment criteria does apply but the team will provide further details and talk through individual circumstances. To find out more please visit the website or contact the team via email at familyandcommunitylearning@wiltshire.gov.uk.

The list of critical workers and vulnerable children is available on the government website here. Schools and colleges will work with these parents directly regarding arrangements for on-site learning.