Latest news

Following UK Government advice to slow the spread of COVID-19, Westminster City School will be closed to the vast majority of pupils from Monday 23 March.

Partial closure from Monday 23 March
Our School will only be open from Monday 23 March for pupils deemed vulnerable and pupils with parents/carers who are key workers (according to UK Government guidance). We are contacting these parents/carers in a separate message with specific details about the school day. These pupils will undertake online learning at our School, under the supervision of staff, and lunch will be provided.

The most recent scientific advice on how to further limit the spread of COVID-19 is clear. If children can stay safely at home, they should, to limit the chance of the virus spreading. That is why the UK Government has asked parents to keep their children at home, wherever possible, and asked schools to remain open only for those who absolutely need to attend.

From Monday 23 March, the remainder of Westminster City School pupils and students will learn remotely, using Show My Homework and other online platforms. Work is released by teachers at 9am each day, and our schedule is below. We will complete weekly welfare checks and maintain as many elements of our usual school practice through these online platforms.

Please note that, during this unprecedented time, Show My Homework is receiving an immense amount of traffic and may run slowly. This is particularly so in the early morning. In light of this, if you are experiencing problems accessing Show My Homework, we suggest you try logging on later in the morning and during the day.

Any queries from pupils, students or parents/carers should be sent to teachers via their Westminster City School email.

Our plans have been put together based on guidance from the DfE and Westminster City Council, and incorporate the best shared practice from a range of schools.

Easter holiday and beyond
Westminster City School will close for the Easter holiday from Friday 3 April. As yet, we have no confirmed date for re-opening. However, we will remain in regular contact with parents/carers via email and our weekly bulletin will continue to be sent during term time. In addition, information will be posted regularly on our School website and social media channels.

During this partial closure, our School can be contacted via: enquiries@wcsch.com.

IT support for remote learning
We are mindful that pupils and students will need to undertake remote learning in the weeks to come. Should there be any issues with their IT, please contact: enquiries@wcsch.com so we can help. Pupils and students have been shown how to access Show My Homework for remote learning.

Free school meals
The UK Government is issuing further advice about how pupils entitled to a free school meal will receive their allowance. We are liaising with local authorities and will act on UK Government guidance to ensure that nobody misses out.

Learning expectations and support
Your child's subject teachers will set home learning on Show My Homework at 9am each day. As a parent/carer, your support, encouragement and interest can make a real difference to your child's motivation and ability to cope with the academic and organisational demands of remote learning.

Your role in helping your child succeed will vary according to their needs and strengths. You may need to undertake some, or all, of the following:

• Making sure your child is awake, has eaten breakfast, is dressed and ready for lessons by 9am.
• Asking questions about how you can best help your child at home through contact with their teachers, via our School email address.
• Providing a quiet space with no distractions (no TV, games consoles, mobile phones), a workbox/pencil case of pens, paper and other necessities.
• Showing an interest in the subject, asking your child questions about their learning, and testing them when they ask you.
• Helping your child break tasks down so that they are manageable, keeping a subtle eye on progress and celebrating achievements, and seeing a positive way forward if things go badly.
• Helping your child stick to their daily subject timetable and ensuring work is submitted to their teacher by the given deadline. (Each day your child will need to log on to Show My Homework and complete the tasks set. These tasks may require submission via Show My Homework or email).

This remains a difficult and unprecedented time for all of us but please do not be afraid of talking to your children about COVID-19. Indeed, not talking about something can make children worry more. Below is a useful link with advice and guidance on talking to young people: www.tinabryson.com/news/coronavirus-talking-points-for-parents-amp-teachers-with-the-whole-brain-child-approach

Information about COVID-19
For the most up-to-date information, plus details about the virus and its symptoms, please visit the Government's website at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13.

Thank you for your continued support at this difficult time.