Unquestionably, the times we are living in are exceptional. The global pandemic we are experiencing will have affected your lives, your family, your work and your day-to-day routines in ways that could not have been anticipated, even just three weeks ago.

I write on behalf of the Camden Learning Board to express our solidarity and support for all you are experiencing. We are well aware of the burden each and every one of you is carrying. We are full of admiration and gratitude for the resilience you are showing. Thank you-and your staff- for your dedication, your creativity in finding solutions and for all you are doing at this time.

With the UK going into lock down, most of us feel as if life has turned upside down. Nowhere is that more obvious than when we look at schools. But seeing how Camden schools, Camden Learning and Camden Council have responded to the crisis, I am reminded of both the passion and strength of our educational community and how deeply rooted it is in moral purpose. It’s also highly effective! It has been tremendous to see how well the community has come together and the very practical collaboration in action, delivering within and across schools. It has been inspiring to hear what you have doing and read the regular updates. We understand the scale of what you are managing and the generosity with which you are doing it.

Whatever the uncertainties now, we know the role that our schools will play in the coming months is vital. It is already clear that the impact on the poorest and most vulnerable groups will last much longer than a few months, so September is likely to bring more than the usual challenges. It has been great to hear the extent of the work undertaken by staff in schools- and in Camden Learning- to support children and young people working remotely at home. However, as the last couple of weeks has shown, this sounds so much easier than it is in practice, especially for our most disadvantaged children. It is particularly difficult for them to lose the rhythm and pace of school life.

Camden Learning is here to work with you in stepping up to these challenges and giving whatever support we can. Things will inevitably change, but we must work on ensuring we emerge on the other side, whenever that may be, set to make a still greater impact in changing lives and ensuring no child is left behind.

I know you have appreciated the excellent support provided by Camden Council. Many of you have also told us that Jon’s support has been outstanding. I want to pay tribute to him for working with such determined commitment, responsiveness and never-ending good humour to serve you so well. He has been well supported by the Camden Learning team who have also been working with industry and ingenuity behind the scenes. Our thanks go to them too. Some of their work, as I understood, for example, when I glimpsed the impressive work underway with music, will really bear fruit next term.

On behalf of the Board, I wish you, your families and those close to you all the very best through this time. Again, thank you for your resilience, commitment and effort. I hope you manage to get some sleep and relaxation over the next couple of weeks.

And, remember, keep washing those hands!

Warmest wishes,

Christine

Christine Gilbert

On behalf of the Camden Learning Board