A HEADTEACHER has sent a letter to parents about inviting some students back to school next week.

Harwich and Dovercourt High School headteacher Kate Finch sent the letter on Monday to address the re-opening plans at the facility for Year 10 and Year 12 students from next Monday.

The open letter said the school will ensure all necessary safety measures are in place and that every member of staff knows how the school will be operating prior to the opening.

Mrs Finch said: "We will continue the provision for children of key workers and other eligible students.

"Following the recent guidance from the Department for Education, we have been working hard to prepare for the safety and welfare of our students and staff.

"I understand that many parents and carers may feel anxious about schools re-opening."

She said the Government is encouraging parents to send their child to school, but it is not compulsory to do so.

There will not be any fines issued due to non-attendance.

Students will not be required to wear school uniform, instead the school asks that clothes need to be washed at the end of each day and a fresh set worn the next day to minimise risk.

Every pupil will be given their own start and finish time for the day and they will be required to wash their hands thoroughly before arrival and departure, and before re-entering the room at any point.

All rooms will ensure that a minimum two metre distance is maintained between students and staff.

Mrs Finch added: "We appreciate that making a decision about your child returning to school may be difficult for you.

"We will aim to communicate directly with all parents to find out whether you wish to take up the offer of a place in the school.

"Again can I stress that this is not compulsory, although we do need to check whether the decision is due to medical reasons."