Challenging period ahead due to Coronavirus, warns headteacher of Cedars in Linslade

In a statement to the LBO today, Steven Palmer, of Cedars Upper School, said: “This is an unprecedented time and the closure of schools is a challenging period for us all.

“The calmness, courage and positivity shown by our students in recent days has been truly remarkable and each is a credit to themselves and their family.

“I want to applaud the fantastic commitment from school staff who have carried on with lessons this week in a professional, reassuring manner.

“The messages we have received from parents have been incredibly positive and supportive towards the decisions we have had to make.

“The school building will be closed indefinitely for full education provision but we will continue to provide education online to all our students.

“Parents have been sent the list of key workers and if they meet these criteria then they are letting us know straight away so we can make provision for their child to remain attending school from next week.

“We are preparing ourselves for there to be no GCSE or A level examinations this summer and at present there is no definite plan that can be shared for assessment or grading.

“We will approach next week with the same focus, effort and enthusiasm as we would every other week and will be supporting our pupils, parents and staff to adjust to the new ways of working outside our school building.

“As with all schools we will continue to follow the guidance and advice from the Department for Education and Public Health England and work with our school community to ensure all necessary steps are being taken.”

> How will the school closures affect you? What difference has the Coronavirus made to your personal and working life? Are you self-isolating? Is your business struggling? Is panic buying continuing? We’d also love to hear your stories of how the community is rallying round. Send information and photos to [email protected]