Last updated 19th June 2021
Please find all the relevant information you need to know regarding Covid-19 and how it may affect your child's attendance in school.
We have been living with the coronavirus pandemic for many months now, and much of the health information related to COVID-19 will be clear to most people. However, if you are unsure about any specific information, we recommend that you visit the government advice website via the link below:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
In order to minimise the risk of any infection spreading in the school, it is very important that all members of the school community follow government advice regarding self-isolation. Regarding this, please read the following guidance carefully.
Self-Isolation Guidance
If a child or member of staff shows symptoms that may be caused by COVID-19, they must self-isolate for up to 10 days and arrange for a PCR test. You can arrange for a test via the NHS self-referral website which can be found on this page: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/... Alternatively, you can also call 119 to arrange a test. Information about which symptoms to look out for can be found in our frequently asked questions.
| WHAT SHOULD WE DO IF... | ACTION | WHEN TO RETURN TO SCHOOL |
|---|---|---|
Child has coronavirus | -Child should not come to school. | The coronavirus test result comes back negative. |
Child tests positive for coronavirus. | -Do not come to school. | Child feels better (after 10 days). |
Person in the same home has coronavirus symptoms.* | -Child should not come to school. | The household member's test result for coronavirus is negative. |
Person in the same home tests positive for coronavirus | -Child should not come to school. | After 10 days of self-isolation. |
NHS Test and Trace have identified my child as a close contact of someone who has symptoms or confirmed coronavirus | -Child should not come to school. | After 10 days of self-isolation. |
Child required to self-isolate as part of a period of quarantine following overseas travel | -Avoid taking holidays in term time. | After 10 days of quarantine. |
Child is extremely clinically | Child should not come to school | School contact you to inform you that restrictions have been removed and child can return to school. |
Frequently Asked Questions:
a) What should I do if someone in my house experiences Covid-19 symptoms?
All of the household should isolate, from the onset of the first symptoms. Students must not come into school. A PCR test should be completed ASAP. You should keep the school informed at all stages via [email protected]
b) What should I do if someone we have come into contact with tests positive for Covid-19?
You should begin to isolate in line with government guidance. No type of test completed can override the period of isolation. You should not break this isolation unless informed to do by the school.
c) What is the purpose of Lateral Flow Device Testing?
Almost one third of COVID cases are asymptomatic. The lateral flow devices are designed to test asymptomatic people twice a week to ensure no one is carrying the virus into school unintentionally. You should not use LFD tests if you have symptoms. This means lateral flow results cannot be used to override isolation periods, nor a PCR test, as the infection can incubate for a period of time.
d) When should I perform the LFD test with my child, and what is the process?
You should perform home tests on Wednesday and Sunday evenings, reporting the results as detailed below:
Please report your result to the NHS as detailed in the instruction booklet (if you haven't already, create an account as it saves you time the next time you upload a result) - https://www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result
Report your result to school using one of the following links:
POSITIVE or VOID results (you must also email [email protected] urgently and send a copy of the NHS text/email confirmation of positive/void result):
NEGATIVE results (no need to email if you have a negative result):
If you get a VOID test result, you must repeat the test immediately. You should continue to test if you are isolating and do not have symptoms. If symptoms do develop you should complete a PCR test.
e) What does the school do when it is alerted to a potential case of Covid?
The school follows the procedure below as recommended by government guidance:
a. The school is notified of a positive case by a parent or guardian. (A track and trace process cannot begin until the case is confirmed)
b. A thorough track and trace procedure is completed involving the student, the family and staff
c. Email correspondence is sent home to confirm isolation periods and on line learning provision begins
f) Why might my child be identified as a close contact?
Despite all efforts to maintain bubbles and keep the school COVID secure, students may encounter someone who is potentially positive. If this occurs in the classroom, we will use up to date seating plans to identify those needing to isolate. We investigate who students have spent social times with and how they have travelled to school (including buses). Our criteria for identifying a close contact is someone who has spent 1 minute or more within 1m of the affected students, or within 2m for 15 minutes or more.
g) What are the expectations when a student is self-isolating?
Students should be isolating in line government guidance, which means staying within the confines of you property (including your garden) for the designated period. They should not come in contact with anyone outside of your household. Other members of the household do not need to isolate, providing they themselves have not come in contact with a positive case. If a student later displays symptoms, they should get tests. A positive test would result in new isolation dates that should be adhered to, and the school informed of immediately. Students cannot test using either LFD or PCR tests to shorten their isolation period.
Students should continue to complete online learning using the VLE if they are fit and well enough to do so. Please email subject teachers if you have any concerns around this.
h) Who can I contact for support with my child when they are self-isolating?
You can contact your regular support networks including your student's head of year, mentor and subject teachers.
i) What are the symptoms of COVID?
The official NHS symptoms are a high temperature, new continuous cough and loss of taste or smell. There is research that suggests other symptoms can be present in a Covid-19 infection, so we recommend that if you feel unwell, you stay at home. If you have any potential concerns over a possible Covid-19 infection, please do get tested, and inform the absence line immediately (01793 846100 selecting option 1).
