COVID19
Current school guidance
As you may be aware, the Prime Minister has set out the next phase of the government’s Covid-19 response. Covid-19 continues to be a virus that we learn to live with and the imperative to reduce the disruption to children and young people’s education remains.
From Monday 21 February, the Government removed the guidance for staff and students in most education and childcare settings to undertake twice-weekly asymptomatic testing. However, staff and students of secondary age and above with SEND units within the mainstream settings, are advised to continue twice-weekly testing. Staff and students are also able to access test kits from their local pharmacy or online at the following website: www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests?utm_source=21%20February%202022%20C19&utm_medium=Daily%20Email%20C19&utm_campaign=DfE%20C19
We have a supply of tests remaining in school, however, when these have gone, we will not be issuing any more tests in school.
From Thursday 24 February, the Government will remove the legal requirement to self-isolate following a positive test. However, Government guidelines is that school policies remain the same except that students are no longer required to test twice weekly. If your child tests positive for Covid-19, they should self-isolate for 5 full days. If they then receive two negative results on day 5 and day 6 (24 hours apart) and have no temperature, they can end isolation and return to school. Further information is available here: www.gov.uk/government/news/self-isolation-for-those-with-covid-19-can-end-after-five-full-days-following-two-negative-lfd-tests
Please be aware that once your child has passed their fifth day of isolation, you will need to contact our school Attendance Team if your child remains infectious or unwell. An absence text will be sent if your child remains absent without an explanation after day five of isolation.
In light of the decrease in Covid numbers and updated Government guidance, we have taken the decision to make mask wearing whilst inside school buildings optional with effect from Wednesday 9th March 2022. Staff or students can continue to wear masks if they wish, but will need to supply their own masks.
Hand sanitiser remains available throughout the school and anti-bacterial spray and blue towels are available to use in our classrooms.
The following websites provide further advice and guidance:
www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests
