I can honestly say this has been the most challenging time of my career and I'm sure it will continue to be so over the weeks to come. I know the decisions passed down to us by the Government in order to keep everyone safe have been/will continue to be very difficult for us all but I must thank each and every one of you for your support in ensuring that we can still open the school to those few who have no other options while at the same time minimising the risk considerably.

I know how difficult this will be for you over the coming weeks but please be assured we are here for you. Staff will still be working either in school or from home and you can contact us whenever you need to. I will send further details next week about what we will be doing to keep in touch with you/your child/ren and how we will keep you stocked up with ideas and activities for the weeks ahead. I've sent my e-mail in several messages just recently but it's here for those who may not have it.(headteacher@anthonybek.derbyshire.sch.uk)

I would like to sincerely thank everyone for the wonderful messages relating to me personally and to our fabulous staff (from the Facebook page) and for the letters, messages and cards received showing your appreciation of our staff team. Those few words really do mean the world to staff so thank you for taking the time to share them.

Finally, no-one yet knows exactly what will happen in the next few weeks/months and I know many pupils (and parents) were upset today- fearing that this may be the end of the academic year but I am a firm believer that we will be back in school before that so we can end the year properly. This is particularly important for our wonderful Y6 cohort. Come what may, we will find a way to ensure they have the send off they deserve.

Please keep each other safe and follow all guidance so we can beat this virus and get our country back on its feet.

From a very tired, emotional but extremely thankful Headteacher!