Dear Parents/Carers,

I know that today's announcement from the Scottish Government probably throws up more questions than answers. We are all in the same position and know that there will be a lot of planning 'behind the scenes' still to do before we know what June or even August might 'look like' for our community.

Please be assured that we will share any information with you when we have it ourselves. We need to be directed and follow the guidance as set out by the local authority and government.

Please note that the app is our main form of communication. This was, is and will continue to be how you can stay best informed. If you know of any parent/carer who does not have it, please encourage them to download it. This is by far the best way we can share with you any information in 'real time'. 

In the meantime, we will continue with our plans to contact every parent/carer in the school and ELC and share special videos and comments from staff through our online assemblies, new dedicated ELC email and P1 Transition emails.

In line with current SLC guidance, we will not be taking part in 'online live lessons' where pupils can interact with each other and the teacher- this may change in the future! We will encourage a play based approach to learning for our early learners and more will follow to help guide you on this. 

We have been overwhelmed by the kind comments in our recent questionnaire and through the check in phone calls , and appreciate your understanding that many of our staff are trying to support their own children's home learning as well as their own class whilst carrying out a range of professional duties and tasks. To date, staff from Lanark PS & ELC have volunteered for an outstanding 100 days in  the Lanark Childcare Hub since March- a wonderful total! 

The response to having a blended online and 'paper based' learning packs has been resoundingly positive (99%) and we appreciate your recognition that we have tried to cater for all learners and family circumstances at this time, under difficult circumstances. However, if your child requires ongoing support and feedback from classmates and teachers, this can only be achieved online through Google Classroom. We do not feel that this platform is appropriate for our youngest learners and will strive to provide more clearly defined play activities to support our ELC learners' development. This will not include the provision of worksheets as we firmly believe that play provides the best social, emotional, physical and learning development of our youngest learners.

Here's just a few of the 90% positive, often fantastic, messages we received- thank you!

"The team at LPS have been amazing as usual. They have gone above and beyond to keep the children connected during Lockdown."

"Very helpful my child doing fine with the paper work don't have all the computers for on-line but it's great there is still homework on paper to do if u need any help a message or text to any staff and they will help in any way thank you"

"I think the school is doing a great job at a difficult time. Quick to react and I appreciate how much work has been done to put everything in place and the huge task faced by all the staff when their normal day to day roles have also changed so suddenly."

"In every step the school has taken they have kept all parents and carers fully aware of what is going on and what is going to be taking place in relation to new assignments. Things posted very regularly on twitter and also messages through the parent app also. The communication and support has been amazing. Thank you."

"Teachers respond very quickly on Google classroom. The support and activities provided are engaging and varied. Communication on the whole has been excellent."

Stay Safe