Dear Parents/carers,
As you will know the government directed secondary schools to use lateral flow testing for Covid-19 when we returned in January. At North Star 240o this has resulted in us identifying asymptomatic cases during the last two weeks, as well as having additional symptomatic cases. These have all been confirmed with positive PCR tests.
We have been in regular contact with the local Health Protection Team, who are in agreement with us that the number of cases means we should now identify all staff and pupils as close contacts. All pupils and school staff should self-isolate for the next ten days and so the Trust Board have taken the decision to close the school building. The 10-day isolation period will end on Thursday 28th January. School will re-open to students on Friday 29th January 2021.
Guidelines for self-isolation are:
- do not go to work, school or public places
- do not go on public transport or use taxis
- do not go out to get food and medicine – order online or by phone or ask someone to
bring it to you - do not have visitors in your home, except for people providing essential care
- do not go out to exercise – exercise at home or if you have one.
Other family members do not need to isolate at this stage unless they start showing symptoms. More detail can be found at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus This temporary closure will allow any other cases to be found during this time and stop the further spread of the virus. It is important that all staff and students observe the isolation guidance and then rigorously follow lockdown rules. This will limit the risk of the virus returning to the school environment when the building is re-opened.
School staff will be in touch with students regarding remote learning. You can expect daily remote learning of at least 5 hours and pupils should continue to follow their normal timetable. If you do not have a device for your child to work on or if you need us to apply to your provider for additional internet time, please let us know.
Please email andy.gowell@woodwayfederation.co.uk if you have any questions regarding remote learning.
Thank you for your understanding in this situation.
Kind regards,
Kaye Palmer-Greene
Chief Executive Officer
