Key Information:

Living with COVID this Autumn Term

As you may be aware, the government has removed many of the restrictions that schools have had to follow over the last academic year. This will help reduce the disruption to children and young people’s education as we learn to live with Covid safely. Of course, it is still necessary to be careful – we have a robust risk assessment in place and will continue to adopt a cautious approach.

The main changes from this term are:

No isolating bubbles – although our year groups will continue to work very closely together.
No requirement for face coverings in classrooms – although pupils are able to wear them if they want to. However, the government does recommend that they are worn in enclosed and crowded spaces where you may come into contact with people you don’t normally meet.
Wider curriculum opportunities to be reintroduced during the year (eg indoor sports, music)
No need to self-isolate if pupils are a close contact of a positive case. Identified close contacts will be advised to take a PCR test.
Staff and visitors who are a close contact will not need to isolate if they are fully vaccinated (latest dose more than 2 weeks previously). They should take a PCR test.

Staying the same:

Please continue to let school know if someone tests positive.
School staff will continue to test themselves twice a week, using lateral flow tests. If they test positive they still need to book a PCR test and if positive, isolate for 10 days.
Schools will continue to keep classrooms well ventilated and clean, and encourage good hygiene and hand washing.
Pupils should stay at home if they feel unwell with symptoms and you should book them a PCR test.
Everyone who tests positive must self isolate. Their close contacts should take a PCR test.
By taking up the vaccine, you will protect yourself and others. Close contacts over 18 years who are unvaccinated or incomplete vaccination still do need to self-isolate for ten days.