Last updated 29th September 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 under 18 years and 6 months shows symptoms that may be caused by COVID-19, they must Self-isolate straight away and get a PCR test (a test that is sent to the lab) on GOV.UK as soon as possible if you have any of these 3 symptoms of COVID-19, even if they are mild:
- a high temperature
- a new, continuous cough
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
| 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 on a home lateral flow test. | -Child should not come to school. | Child feels better (after 10 days). |
Person in the same home has coronavirus symptoms. | All those in the household are advised to get a PCR test. | If there are no symptoms (and the child has not received a positive result). |
Person in the same home tests positive for coronavirus. | All those in the household are advised to get a PCR test. | If there are no symptoms (and the child has not received a positive result). |
NHS Test and Trace have identified my child as a close contact of someone who has symptoms or confirmed coronavirus | Arrange a PCR test for the child and inform school of the result. | If there are no symptoms (and the child has not received a positive result). |
Child required to self-isolate as part of a period of quarantine following overseas travel | -Avoid taking holidays in term time. | After required quarantine period is completed. |
Frequently Asked Questions:
a) What should I do if someone in my house experiences Covid-19 symptoms?
All in the household should book a PCR test. Any student without symptoms and that has not received a positive test can return to school.
b) What should I do if someone we have come into contact with tests positive for Covid-19?
All close contacts should book a PCR test. Any student without symptoms and that has not received a positive test can return to 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):
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=PKdDr83o0067IAAM27b2r0D3wDRT2wFMt6gavQpx6F9UNTU1TldSTlZYRllUQTNKMDlNWkhQNldESy4u
NEGATIVE results (no need to email if you have a negative result):
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=PKdDr83o0067IAAM27b2r0D3wDRT2wFMt6gavQpx6F9UNkZBWVdDUlVXQ1M0UENCSDhGWjFGVVNLUS4u
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 you notify us of your child needing to isolate?
The school follows the procedure below:
- We will send you a link to book a PCR if you haven't done so already.
- We will remind you to complete online permissions for your child to access live lessons (this will need to be given by the parent and student separately).
- We ask you inform us of any PCR results and of return dates issued by the NHS.
f) 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.
Students should continue to complete online learning using the VLE from the link here: https://www.ridgewayschool.com/learning-and-education/home-learning-resources or live lessons (providing consent has been given) if they are fit and well enough to do so. Please email subject teachers if you have any concerns around this.
g) 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.
h) What are the symptoms of COVID?
The official NHS symptoms are a high temperature, new continuous cough and loss of taste or smell. 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).
