National lockdown and the new virus strain

In January, the government announced that schools across England would remain closed to the majority of pupils. Since 4th January, primary schools have been open to provide on-site learning for all vulnerable children and children of key workers where this is needed.

All other children have been receiving remote education. Details of our remote education provision can be found below.

Since returning to school, we have clear safety routines in place for both pupils and staff. These measures include:

• Hand sanitizing when entering the building
• Hand washing at regular points throughout the day
• Increased cleaning of key areas (toilets, door handles, main corridors)
• Key class bubbles and staggered times throughout the day to reduce contact with others and reduce potential cross contamination

We all play a vital role in helping school to remain open. It is important that you and your family continue to follow government guidelines on social distancing and engage in the test and trace system, as this enables the measures that the school have put in place to be as effective as possible in addressing the challenges presented by coronavirus.

Government guidance is very specific and clear for Childcare and Educational settings in the management of Covid – 19.

It is common at this time of year for children to experience minor illnesses such as the common cold and these illnesses should not prevent a child from coming to school.

Under the current Government guidelines, a child will need to stay at home and isolate, with their household family, if any of the following symptoms occur:

• A high temperature – A temperature at 37.8 or above may indicate a fever. Your child may feel hot to the touch, especially on the chest and back. Take their temperature several times over a short period to establish a consistent reading at or over 37.8.

• A new, continuous cough – Many children have coughs from time to time which may be associated with other medical conditions such as asthma. Listen carefully to the cough and observe your child to determine whether the cough you hear is different, new and continuous. Does the cough continue more than you have seen before?

• A loss of, or change to, the sense of smell or taste.

When you have established that your child has a symptom of Covid – 19 they must stay off school and isolate for 10 days. These 10 days of isolation run from the date when the symptoms first appeared. The rest of the household need to isolate for 14 days. This means that siblings cannot be in school.

If you find that your child has symptoms and are unsure of the process outlined above, then please do give the school office a call.

Government Guidance: 

January 2021

National lockdown: stay at home

For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/coronavirus