1st March 2021
Dear Parents/Carers,
As you’re likely aware, the Government has announced that schools will reopen to all pupils from 8 March 2021. We’re very much looking forward to welcoming back more of our students to face-to-face education.
School attendance
Whilst many of our students have continued to remain in school throughout this national lockdown we will now be expecting everyone to return as normal from 8 March. School attendance will be mandatory and our usual rules on attendance will apply.
Normal school hours will apply- 8.30am-3.00pm. Taxi services will be notified.
However, as a reminder, pupils should self-isolate and not come to school if they:
– Have coronavirus symptoms or have tested positive
– Live with someone who has symptoms or have tested positive
– Are a close contact of someone who has tested positive
For pupils who are self-isolating or shielding, our remote learning offer will apply, through live lessons and google classroom. Details can be found on our website.
Coronavirus testing
To help us keep everyone safe, we’ll be offering rapid coronavirus testing to all our pupils as they return from 8 March. Pupils will be asked to take 3 coronavirus tests at school, with 3 to 5 days between each test. Test results will take about 30 minutes to process. If at any point a student returns a positive result, they’ll need to self-isolate in line with Government guidance. Testing is voluntary, and you and/or your child will need to give consent for it to be carried out. However, we strongly encourage your child to take part so we can help prevent the spread of coronavirus. If your child is not participating in testing, they should attend still school as usual.
After the 3 initial tests at school, pupils will be offered coronavirus tests that they should take twice a week at home. We will provide more detail and support when we have more information.
Rest assured that we’re doing everything we can to make sure our pupils can return to school safely. Students will be reminded of the Covid risk assessment but as a reminder we will be continuing to follow these protective measures:
– There will be limited student movement around the school and where possible students will remain either in their classroom or key stage bubbles.
– Continual handwashing in place.
– Large gatherings such as assemblies will be avoided and done virtually.
– Students will be required to wear normal school uniform. Changing for PE will not be required.
– Face coverings are encouraged especially if the 2m distancing cannot be observed.
Additional support
Lockdown has been a challenging period for all of us, and we’d like to thank you for your continuing support during this difficult and uncertain time. Now there is light at the end of the tunnel I would like to take this opportunity to remind all our families that our support continues to be available. If you or your child have any concerns about returning to school, or if you think your child might need extra support when they return, please get in touch with your tutor teams.
Kind regards,
Mr Andy Gowell
Head of School
