Dear Parent and Carer,

 

I hope you are all keeping well and safe during this challenging time. I have outlined a number of important updates that I wanted to make you aware of:

 

Free school Meals

Currently parents/carers have been collecting ‘Grab Bags’ for their children from local schools. As I explained two weeks ago this was an interim solution, whilst the Local Authority explored other options, especially for those who could not leave their homes to collect food on a daily basis.

 

Earlier this week Welsh Government announced that Local Authorities should continue to support children eligible for a Free School Meal during the Easter Break. Over the next few days, each of the current pupils who are eligible to receive a Free School Meal in Cardiff and attend the Western Learning Federation will receive a letter which will include details of how they can redeem an e-voucher.

 

This e-voucher can be accessed through an online portal to the value of £40 as a contribution to covering their food needs over the Easter break. By accessing the online portal, families who are eligible, will be able to choose a voucher from the following supermarkets; Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrison’s, Marks & Spencer and Waitrose. (Currently, the other large chains do not provide a voucher). This letter will be sent out by the Local Authority with guidance on how to use the online portal.

 

Application for keyworker childcare

Applications for key worker placements has moved to the Cardiff Council website, which can be accessed at www.cardiff.gov.uk , via the home page and search Key Worker Childcare

Alternatively, please follow the link below to access information, the strict criteria for key workers and application process https://www.cardiff.gov.uk/ENG/Your-Council/Strategies-plans-and-policies/Emergency-Planning-and-Resilience/coronavirus-information/key-worker-childcare/Pages/default.aspx

 

Pupils Work

I’ve been so pleased that the platforms for distributing work to pupils is being accessed and meeting your needs. I have been overwhelmed with the resilience of our pupils and how they have adapted as best as possible to a new way of working.

I’m fully aware of the challenges that you face, these challenges have been shared by us all from a Federation and each individual school. I want to reassure you that all staff are working extremely hard in keeping in contact with you, providing work for pupils and ensuring we can make this extremely difficult time a little bit easier for you. Please feel free to use our social media and online platforms to celebrate and share the wonderful work and experiences our pupils are currently undertaking.

 

Western Learning Federation Hub

We have completed our first week of being a Hub provider. We have supported our parents that are Key Workers and in line with multi-agencies supported a small number of pupils also. All staff have shown professionalism in attending the setting across the Western Learning Federation. I have been delighted with the positive attitude of staff putting the pupils first when having their own challenges in dealing with a pandemic.

Health Hub

In addition to the Western Learning Federation Hub, Health are establishing provision to support families across Cardiff. More details on this will follow.

I would like to wish you all a Happy Easter, we will continue to do our best to serve you, meet your needs and the needs of our pupils.

 

Best wishes

Wayne Murphy

Executive Head Teacher

Western Learning Federation