Dear Family,
We hope that you are well and that your child is seeing some sense of normality return to school life. Our staff have worked tirelessly throughout the period of the pandemic to ensure that our children continue to make progress. Thank you as always for your support.
Our schools have recently received communications from Public Health and our Local Authorities asking us to consider some changes to our school processes due to increases in COVID-19 infection rates in the local area and across the country.
As a Trust we understand the need for precaution but also appreciate the impact that any changes will have on the education of our young people.
Returning to school after half term, your child may see the following changes:
- We are encouraging staff and visitors to wear face coverings in communal areas, unless exempt under Government guidelines.
- We are discouraging visitors to site where possible.
- Face-to-face assemblies should be carried out in year groups or phases.
- Rooms will be well-ventilated where possible.
- Non-essential events, such as those involving external speakers, may be
postponed or held virtually where possible and appropriate.We would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone:
- Your child must attend school if they are well, and the school is open.
- If your child displays any symptoms of COVID-19 (high temperature, a new
continuous cough, or loss or change in sense of taste or smell) they must isolate
immediately, get a PCR test and follow NHS Test and Trace instructions. - Continue with regular hand washing or use of hand sanitisers.
- Maintain 2-metre social distancing, where possible.
- All staff and secondary age students are encouraged to complete twice weeklyLateral Flow Tests and register the results with NHS. Only positive tests need to be registered with the Academy.
- If your child receives a positive lateral flow test, they must have a PCR test and await the results before either isolating or returning to school as appropriate.We will continue to follow guidance from Public Health, Local Authorities and the Government and adapt our ways of working appropriately, being mindful of risks but also of the impact on the education of our young people.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Sir Mark Grundy
CEO, Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust