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The Whitstable School announces plans to reopen in September when all year groups return
16:23, 23 July 2020
updated: 16:24, 23 July 2020
A secondary school has outlined plans to reopen to all pupils in September.
The Whitstable School is understood to be one of the first in Kent to tell parents how it will welcome back all its year groups.
A raft of measures will be enforced at the school - which has about 850 pupils - to ensure it complies with government guidance.
Head teacher Ana Gibson wrote to parents on Wednesday announcing stringent plans for when the site reopens in September to Years 7 to 11 and also sixth form.
They include separate controlled entry points for each year group, cars not being allowed on site to protect pupils queuing and hand sanitiser being available at all entrance points, classrooms and across the school.
Those who usually catch a bus or train to school have been asked to walk or cycle, where possible. They should follow social distancing and wear a face covering, if they cannot.
Parents have been told to provide their children with their own equipment - including a glue stick, highlighters and coloured pencils - as resources will not be shared.
Year groups will be kept in bubbles and taught in their own separate areas - called "zones" - for the vast majority of their lessons with the exception of PE and technology.
Pupils have been told they cannot arrive before 8.15am or be on the site after 3.15pm - and going home times will be staggered in each zone.
There will be a so-called "grab and go lunch system" where pupils can order their food and collect it.
But bosses at the school are still investigating if breakfast club food can be served at break time.
Pupils will also need to bring their own snacks as the catering company is unable to offer a break time service.
Mrs Gibson has reassured parents the curriculum "remains broad and balanced" with all subjects being taught and attendance will be expected from all pupils.
Years 7 and 11 are set to return to the school on September 3 with sixth form enrolment - and again the next day with the sixth form induction.
On September 7, all year groups will return for the first time since March after months of working at home.
The school's head teacher said more detailed information would be sent to parents on August 25.
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