I thought I would provide you with a further update as there have been a few changes on government advice. I have also included all the previous advice below as well so that you have everything in one place. In addition, I have updated the protocols, which I attach. Please read the contents below along with the protocols as they both contain important information to help keep your child and everyone else in school as safe as possible.

 

Change to confirmatory PCR testing

From Tuesday 11th Jan 2022, people who receive positive lateral flow device (LFD) test results for coronavirus (COVID-19) will be required to self-isolate immediately and won’t be required to take a confirmatory PCR test. This is just for asymptomatic cases. If you or your child develops symptoms then they will need to isolate straight away and get a PCR test.

 

Self-Isolation Rule Changes

  Since Wednesday 22 December, the 10 day self-isolation period for people who record a positive PCR test result for COVID-19 has been reduced to 7 days in most circumstances, unless you cannot test for any reason, in which case you will need to self-isolate for the full 10 days.

Individuals may now take LFD tests on day 6 and day 7 of their self-isolation period. Those who receive two negative test results are no longer required to complete 10 full days of self-isolation. The first test must be taken no earlier than day 6 of the self-isolation period and tests must be taken 24 hours apart. This also applies to children under 5, with LFD testing at parental or guardian discretion. If both these test results are negative, and you do not have a high temperature, you may end your self-isolation after the second negative test result and return to your education setting from day 8.

Anyone who is unable to take LFD tests will need to complete the full 10 day period of self-isolation. Further information is available in the stay at home: guidance for households with possible or confirmed COVID-19 infection.

 

Face Coverings

You may have seen that the education secretary has asked that pupils in year 7 and above should wear face coverings in classrooms where possible. However, may of our pupils would find this very challenging. As such, if your child wishes to wear a face covering in class then they can do so. However, we will not be enforcing this for all pupils.

 

LFD Testing

If possible, undertake twice-weekly asymptomatic Lateral Flow Device (LFD) testing for all household/family members age 11 and over. This may not be possible for many of our pupils, but those who can should try and carry out the tests. You can order test kits by going to the following weblink.

https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests

 

What to do if your child has symptoms

Book a PCR test for your child if you are concerned that they might have Covid-19 or have had contact with someone with Covid-19. If you don't meet any of the criteria for seeking a PCR test, please tick the box 'I've been told to get a test by my local council, health protection team or healthcare professional.'

It is very important that if your child has symptoms that they must self-isolate and not come into school.

 

Covid in the household

Any child  who has a household member test positive for Covid-19 should take a daily LFD test for seven days (where possible), in addition to taking a one-off PCR test. Although not government guidance, we would also ask that you keep your child away from school if someone in the household tests positive for Covid-19. This is in order to keep our most vulnerable pupils safe.

 

Potential Class Closures

As you will be aware, the Covid infection rate has increased significantly over the Christmas period. As you will undoubtedly have seen in the news, there are concerns of high levels of staffing shortages due to Covid across the whole country. Unfortunately, this is likely to lead to class closures on occasion. We will, of course, try our utmost to keep all classes open and all pupils in school, but we may have to temporarily close classes if we cannot safely keep them open.

 

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me or any one of the senior leadership team.

 

Best wishes,

 

Jon Hewitt

Headteacher

The Castle School