SCHOOL CLOSURE EXTENDED TO FRIDAY

Dear Parents/Carers,

RE: Emergency School Closure due to extreme heat

Closing a school is always a difficult decision. The picture locally and across Hampshire is variable. Nearly all schools are partially closed from between 11am to 1pm depending on the school. Some have completely closed, mainly those in the south of Hampshire.

Due to the nature of the buildings at Cove, it has become increasingly challenging to find areas that are relatively cool. The humidity in the rooms is of a significant concern regarding children’s and staff well-being and health.

We have, like all local secondary schools, seen a significant decline in attendance over the past two days with nearly a third of the school staying at home. Also, many of the children who do come in are struggling to concentrate and remain focused, as well as staff melting in front of the class.

It is hard to argue that as we have closed the school today, why, when conditions are the same, we would open tomorrow. The inside of the school today, with all the windows and doors being closed is unbearable. Therefore, I am reluctantly making the decision to close the school tomorrow (Friday) as well.

Staff have placed a lot of work online. Children must access this work via Satchel:One and complete it. Staff will monitor this throughout the day. Please be disciplined about completing this work as you would do if in school, taking regular breaks and then continue with the work set by your teachers.

School will re-open fully on Monday 29^th June, I expect to see you all then in either normal unform or summer uniform. No PE kit, although tailored shorts from Brenda’s are allowed for all year groups.

Year 11: Regarding the Prom tomorrow evening this will proceed as normal, we are all looking forward to it!

Stay safe, stay well hydrated, and stay inside.

Regards,

Dr King
Headteacher