Dear Parents and Carers,

We have been overwhelmed by requests for critical worker provision at The Ridge and are unable to safely meet the demand.

Therefore, unfortunately we will not be open tomorrow, whilst we prioritise these requests.

In the meantime, we would like to make you aware of a message from the Director of Public Health in Dudley.

''Unfortunately since Christmas, COVID-19 rates in Dudley have been climbing rapidly with no evidence of slowing. The 7 day rate is currently at 600 per 100,000, which is the highest we have seen through the pandemic and is almost double the rate before Christmas. Coronavirus case rates are increasing across all age ranges including children. In contrast to earlier waves where the case rate increased at different times in different areas of the borough, the rates are now increasing rapidly across all towns of Dudley borough. Such high rates are causing huge pressure on local NHS hospitals and it is critical that they are brought back under control with extreme urgency''.

(This text is from the director – not myself)

In light of the seriousness of the situation and the need to protect all members of our school community – children, their parents, families and staff – we believe that wherever possible, children should be at home. Please re-consider the request that you have made for school based provision and if someone is working from home, make arrangements for your child to stay with them.

If the sole carer or both parents are not critical workers we are unlikely to be able to offer provision. If you still require provision please email info@ridge.dudley.sch.uk to clarify requirements by 10.00 a.m. tomorrow (Wednesday) after which we may ask for further information as we prioritise places.

Please be assured that we do understand how difficult this is for parents and carers. We are trying to balance our support for critical workers with keeping everyone safe.

Yours sincerely,

Deb Hudson

Headteacher