Sadly, we had hoped that by now, a lengthy face-to-face transition programme would have been completed prior to September. As it stands, those opportunities to meet during the summer term have not been possible, but thanks to all primary schools, essential information has already been passed over to us. Your engagement with our Classdojo platform has allowed us to begin some of those conversations and give you a flavour of what being a student at Melior is like.  
 
Following DfE and Government guidance for all secondary schools means that in September the academy will have to be divided into different year group-schools (bubbles). Social distancing of 2m is not necessary within each bubble for students, but children are expected to keep separated from children in other year groups and two metres distance from all adults. 
 
This essentially means, that all secondary schools will have to have staggered start and finish times and where possible, use different entrance and exits into the building.  I can assure you all plans are now in place with a detailed Risk Assessment, giving you as parents/carers peace of mind as we look forward to welcoming your child in September.  The official DfE guidance for secondary schools can be downloaded for you to read if you follow the link below:
 
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirusoutbreak/guidance-for-full-opening-schools
 
Further points to consider before September in accordance with this guidance: Listed below is a series of bullet points that sum up what the academy will look like as of September, not only to give you peace of mind that every consideration has been made, but so together, we can support each other whilst we continue to navigate our way through these very challenging times: 
 
Every Year group from 7 to 11 will have their own learning area (bubble) within the academy and students can only mix with students within their own year group 

Our academy wide Risk Assessment has been updated to comply fully with Government guidelines  The academy will have staggered start/finish times for all year groups (see below) 

There will be more than one entrance/exit used for differing year groups (see below) 

Students will be instructed and escorted to wash their hands on arrival and reminded throughout the day to continue to do so 

No visitors are allowed on to site, including parents, without an appointment 

Parents dropping their children off in a car, must remain in their vehicles at all times 

Students who will be using public transport to and from school, are required to wear a face mask in line with government guidance 
 
Students will participate in practical PE wherever possible. On days where students have a PE lesson they will attend school in kit and remain in kit. 

Students are expected to be in full uniform (all previous expectations re: mobile phones, jewellery and make-up still apply) and are allowed to bring a ‘small bag’ to school with basic equipment, (Black and green pen, pencil, ruler and rubber) including packed lunch if preferred  

Students will receive a full and broad curriculum with all subjects being delivered again  Our Cleaning staff will remain on site during the day, cleaning all areas on an on-going basis 

All students will have a break and lunch time as normal, but will remain with students within their year/bubble  

All classrooms throughout the academy comply with government guidance re: layout 

Once students leave at their designated time, they cannot remain on site and must make their way home immediately 

Bubble Leads and members of the Senior Leadership Team will meet and greet all students at their points of entry each day 

Enrichment/Intervention/detention will be completed in year group bubbles
 
The new layout of the academy:

* Students should enter the academy site by the gate nearest to their entrance.

As you may all know, our Autumn term starts on Monday 7th September. All year groups should arrive at times specified above.
 
We completely understand that this is a very difficult time for us all, especially our new Year 7 students who will start without the usual transition visits to the academy.  All plans are now in place and we are genuinely looking forward to reopening our academy welcoming you all students back and embarking upon our new sense of normality.  We will of course keep you fully informed of any further Government directed changes, which may occur between now, and September.