Covid
We continue to follow the guidance from the DfE, LA and Diocese of Westminster to ensure that we can provide as safe as possible learning environment for your child and all adults in school.
Our key messages are:
- All pupils are expected back to school from September 3rd. (EYFS- Nursery and Reception have their own induction dates and times which parents will be aware of .)
- Any child or adult who shows Covid-19 symptoms, or has tested positive for Covid-19 must not attend school. They can attend once they have followed the appropriate NHS/Government procedures.
- The school will liaise with the Local Authority and Public Health England following a confirmed case of Covid-19 and will follow their instructions in terms of communication and any need for individuals or groups to self-isolate.
- Start times/break times/lunchtimes and end times will be staggered to minimise contact between individuals.
- Pupils will be placed in ‘bubbles’ and stay within that bubble during the school day.
- Social distancing will be promoted wherever possible within the classrooms and around the school. However, this will not be possible for younger children.
- Parents will not ordinarily be allowed entry into the school buildings.
- We will continue to put in protective measures such as increased cleaning during the day and reinforce the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ message.
- There will be changes to the curriculum during this term in light of both health and safety and catching up on phonics, reading, writing and maths.
- Remote learning will be via Microsoft Teams.
- We will continue to review our procedures and adapt to updated government guidance.
Face masks
Staff will wear face coverings when interacting with parents/visitors in class and when walking around the school. Parents are requested to wear face coverings when dropping off and collecting their children. We recognise that some people will be exempt from this for health reasons.
Lateral Flow Testing
A message from Herts County Council:
Only students in year 7 and above have been asked to complete rapid testing, also known as lateral flow tests, twice a week. Secondary schools and colleges will advise how this will work. Home tests absolutely should not be carried out on children in nursery, infant or primary school. It is explicitly not recommended as part of the testing programme and we are concerned that it could hurt or cause injury to small children. If you are worried about small children or they develop symptoms, please seek advice from your GP or call 111.
Parents, carers and adults in support bubbles providing childcare are also being encouraged to take twice weekly lateral flow tests (on themselves, not children) at home. You can find your nearest collection site and order online at: www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests. You can also book a test for yourself at one of the county council’s rapid test centres: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/rapidtest.