The church was packed for the annual Christingle Service, and as always the best moment was when the candles had been lit, the lights went down and we all sang Away in a Manger.
It was a real community effort with children past and present involved in singing and reading prayers, and contributions from parents, the clergy and the village. A retiring collection was made for The Children’s Society which supports children and young people around the world, who are in need of help.
At the heart of The White Horse Federation is a belief in using collaboration to provide a first-class education to a wide range of children. This means that every child understands what they are capable of, and can collectively strive for excellence.
Dear parents and carers,
Following the Government announcements, we've taken the decision to close the school until further notice. We appreciate this is a difficult time for everyone as we all make personal sacrifices for the greater good of the nation. Where possible, we've tried to contact parents and carers who registered as Key Workers, those with vulnerable children, or who collect Free School Meals. If we have not managed to contact you, here is some further information:
Children of Key Workers
If you need support with childcare because both parents of the child(ren) are critical key workers, then we will do our best to support you while you're on the frontline. This school is now closed, however, we have designated schools within the White Horse Federation that are still operating as hubs. We will organise childcare for your child(ren) at one of these locations. Please contact one of the White Horse Federation Coordinators using the chat facility on the website. You can launch this by clicking the ? in the bottom left of the screen.
Children who are Vulnerable
The White Horse Federation has deemed vulnerable children to be those without adequate care or protection at home or with significant health needs. Given the current Government guidance at this point in time, we deem the safest place to be at the parent's or carer's home. If you believe this is not the case for your child(ren), then please contact one of the White Horse Federation Coordinators using the chat facility on the website. You can launch this by clicking the ? in the bottom left of the screen.
Children who collect Free School Meals
We are making every effort to ensure children who collect Free School Meals have access to food. To that effect we will be supplying parents and carers of children who collect Free School Meals with vouchers to cover the cost of 20 days’ worth of lunches from Tuesday 24th March through to Monday 4th May. The vouchers are ordered and we are currently awaiting receipt of them before the end of the week. We have contact details of those who are registered as receiving Free School Meals and will contact you directly. If you're concerned that we don't have your details, then please contact one of the White Horse Federation Coordinators using the chat facility on the website. You can launch this by clicking the ? in the bottom left of the screen.
We will endeavour to continue the learning for all our children despite these setbacks. You should know that the teaching staff at your school have worked tirelessly both day and night to manage this situation to the best of our ability. Our nation is triumphant against adversity, and we have every confidence we will return to our normal lives as soon as possible. Please take care of yourself and loved ones while we all work through this together.
Yours faithfully,
Dr Nicholas Capstick, OBE
CEO The White Horse Federation