Released On 25th Feb 2021
DFE Update on students returning to school from Monday 8 March 2021
25 February 2021
Dear Parent
DFE Update on students returning to school from Monday 8 March 2021
We are delighted to be welcoming more students back to school from Monday 8 March and will be here to support them every step of the way. We have been truly impressed with the students’ attitudes throughout this term and humbled by their effort and enthusiasm with their learning (both those learning in school and at home). We continue to be grateful for your ongoing support and feedback to us which we always take on board and learn from.
Staggered return to school Monday 8 March
Following the Government’s announcement on the Monday 22 February we have worked to devise a plan to get students back to school as quickly as possible and in the safest way. In order to conduct COVID-19 tests for students on their return, we will have a staggered return to school.
Monday 8 March
Year 7 and Year 11 students will return to school on Monday 8 March.
Students in Years 7 and 11 with consent will take their first Lateral Flow Test.
Students in Years 8, 9 and 10 will continue with remote learning for Monday 8 March.
Tuesday 9 March
Students in Years 8 and 10 will then return alongside Years 7 and 11 on Tuesday 9 March.
Students in Years 8 and 10 with consent will take their first Lateral Flow Test.
Year 9 will continue to be taught remotely on Tuesday 9 March.
Wednesday 10 March
Students in Year 9 will return alongside the Years 7, 8, 10 and 11 on Wednesday 10 March and those with consent will take their first Lateral Flow Test.
Students who have been accessing on-site provision (Key Worker and Vulnerable Learners) can continue to do so no matter what year group they are in.
Attendance to school is mandatory from Monday 8 March. Only students classified as Critically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) and have received a letter advising them to shield should not return to school.
Measures to support the safety of all students returning to school
- Students must wear a facemask if travelling by bus
- Students must wear a facemask in the corridor
- Students must wear a facemask in lessons
- Staff will wear a facemask in lessons where 2m social distancing cannot be maintained
- Students will continue to be taught in year group bubbles
- Students will have separate areas at break times within their year group bubbles
- Students will have separate times in their year group bubbles in order to access the refectory for hot food
- Every classroom will have access to sanitising gel which students can freely access
- We will limit all visitors on site so please do not come into school without making an appointment.
- Seating plans will be in place for all lessons in order to identify close contacts if a student or member of staff tests positive for COVID-19.
Lateral flow testing for COVID-19
Over the first two weeks of term students where we have received permission will be tested for Covid 19 using the lateral flow tests. This will happen three times, with gaps of 3-5 days between each test as per the government guidance. Parents will then test from home and provide NHS track and trace with details of the result. Please can you follow the link below to to give permission for your child to be tested:
| Monday 8 March | Tuesday 9 March | Wednesday 10 March | Thursday 11 March | Friday 12 March |
|
Year 7 Return & Test Year 11 Return & Test |
Year 8 Return & Test Year 10 Return & Test |
Year 9 Return & Test |
Year 7 2nd Test Year 11 2nd Test |
Year 8 2nd Test Year 10 2nd Test |
| Monday 15 March | Tuesday 16 March | Wednesday 17 March | Thursday 18 March | Friday 19 March |
| Year 9 2nd Test |
Year 7 3rd Test Year 11 3rd Test |
Year 8 3rd Test Year 10 3rd Test |
Year 9 3rd Test |
Testing will take place in the Main Hall by reception with five students being tested at any one time.
If a student has a positive result, parents will be informed immediately and will need to arrange collection for them as soon as possible. Public health England (PHE) and the Department for Education (DFE) will be informed and advise the school on next steps.
Staff will be testing twice weekly at home using the NHS track and trace test kits. You will be informed if a member of staff is tested positive.
County transport
Students need to follow all directions from their bus driver. Any questions about transport should be directed to the local authority transport team.
Uniform
We expect all students to return to school in full uniform. As has been the case all year, if students have PE they should wear their full PE kit to school. The Uniform Policy can be found here.
Equipment
Please ensure your child comes to school with the correct equipment in order to access their lessons as equipment cannot be lent due to COVID-19 safety measures. The necessary equipment list can be found here.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you might have.
Yours sincerely
Tamsin Grainger
Acting Headteacher