14^th January 2022

Dear Parent / Carer,

Welcome back to school after what we hope was an enjoyable festive break.

Our COVID-19 infection rates have been the highest they have ever been at 2,399 per 100,000.  To help manage this challenge additional controls have been applied in schools for a limited period of time to reduce the spread of the virus. We will continue to work with schools individually to respond to any outbreaks and manage any staff absences due to COVID-19.  We ask that you please appreciate these challenges and work with your child’s school through this period.

Control measures being put in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19 include increased ventilation and enhanced cleaning. Everyone in secondary schools are now expected to wear face coverings in classrooms and communal areas unless exempt.

You can support the COVID-19 response too by doing the following:

• Wear a face covering at drop off and pick up.
• All eligible residents should test at home twice a week. 
• Get vaccinated.

Testing

From 11 January in England, people who receive positive lateral flow device (LFD) test results for COVID-19 are required to self-isolate immediately and not required to take a confirmatory PCR test (unless required to claim Test & Trace support payment or if requested by the NHS or research programme).  It is essential that LFD results are registered to support the test and trace process.

Anyone who develops any of the three main COVID-19 symptoms should stay at home and self-isolate and take a PCR test. The isolation period is for 10 days. But you may be able to end isolation earlier – please follow the rules and see further information on the national website here.

Thank you for your continued support.

Yours Sincerely,