20 Jewish schools reassure parents over re-opening

The chairs of 20 Jewish schools across the UK have signed an open letter reassuring parents worried about health and safety when their children return to classrooms next week.

Acknowledging the “incredible collaboration” of school leadership teams during the pandemic, the chairs said full risk assessments have been undertaken, with each school having unique factors dictating when and how it reopens.

“School leaders are doing their very best to return our children to a normal routine as quickly as possible given their individual circumstances and the requirements of the extensive – and ever-changing – Government guidance,” they said.

“The health and wellbeing of your children and our staff will continue to remain our highest priority. Please continue to support our schools and their leadership during this difficult period of transition.

“We appreciate that none of this is ideal and that your own lives and work are affected immensely, but your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated as we take these next steps.”

It was signed by the chairs of Mathilda Marks Kennedy, Moriah, Menorah Foundation, Wolfson Hillel, NWLJDS, Eden, Sacks Morasha, Hertsmere, North Cheshire, Alma, Nancy Reuben, Kerem, Noam, Naima, Yavneh, IJDS, Rosh Pinah, Hasmonean, Rimon, Akiva and Beit Shvidler.

Penning their “message of support and reassurance” to parents, the chairs said school leaderships teams “have demonstrated an outstanding level of compassionate leadership and professionalism during this most turbulent time, enabling teaching and learning to continue”.

They also paid tribute to the Partnerships for Jewish Education in Schools (PaJeS) umbrella body as “instrumental in helping to facilitate this much-needed coordination”.