Returning to school following any summer break is always an exciting and apprehensive time for parents and carers, pupils and staff too: different teachers, new classrooms and changed routines all play their part. This year, emotions might well be more diverse because for so many, the break from school has been an extremely long one and COVID-19 is still very much a part of our lives.
We have been preparing for this moment for some time now: a return to school for all pupils from nursey to year 6. We are all looking forward to welcoming your children into the building and providing them with the care and support they will need in order to reacquaint themselves with school and a broad and balanced curriculum. It must be acknowledged that this will not be school as we have experienced it in the past. However, the new routines will become the norm for the foreseeable future. Keeping everyone safe, and our school open, will take vigilance and cooperation from everyone in the school community.
The responsibility that lies with us to protect your children, our staff and the wider community continues to be uppermost in our minds. Our risk assessment has been revised for this term; we have drawn on the practices developed since the wider opening in June and the learning to date. Advice and recommendations from the Department for Education have been followed and measures are in place to make the school environment a safe place in which to learn and work. In order to maintain this, we would ask that you read the following and support us by adhering to these important measures:
In order to comply with advice, pupils will experience some changes to routines which they will be introduced to tomorrow. These include (but are not limited to):
Our full risk assessment (which has been submitted to the local authority) is available to view below. It remains a working document and will be updated as required. You will probably be aware that advice and guidance can change, sometimes at short notice.
Sherington School Return Risk Assessment – September
We must reiterate that the safety of our pupils and staff remains our priority and we have done our utmost to plan for a safe return. Attendance for pupils is now statutory and we look forward to welcoming pupils in years 1 to 6 back to school Friday 4th September. Pupils returning to our nursery will start on Monday 7th September. New starters in nursery and reception have their own starting dates and times.
If you need any advice or support, please contact the school office.
School events
All school events held on site are regrettably put on hold.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) update and advice
If you live with others, all other household members must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the household became ill or if they do not have symptoms, from the day their test was taken. If anyone else in the household starts displaying symptoms, they must stay at home for at least 10 days from when their symptoms appear, regardless of what day they are on in their original 14-day isolation period. The ending isolation section below has more information.
If you have symptoms, try and stay as far away from other members of your household as possible. It is especially important to stay away from anyone who is clinically vulnerable or clinically extremely vulnerable with whom you share a household.
Reduce the spread of infection in your home by washing your hands regularly for 20 seconds using soap and water, or use hand sanitiser, and cover coughs and sneezes.
Consider alerting people who you do not live with and have had close contact within the last 48 hours to let them know you have symptoms of COVID-19.
Following a positive test result, you will receive a request by text, email or phone to log into the NHS Test and Trace service website and provide information about recent close contacts.
If you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home, or your condition gets worse, then use the NHS 111 online COVID-19 service. If you do not have internet access, call NHS 111. For a medical emergency dial 999.
If you develop COVID-19 symptoms again at any point after ending your first period of isolation (self or household) then you must follow the guidance on self-isolation again. The section below has further information.
Further information from the government can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-people-with-confirmed-or-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection.
Please call NHS 111 if your symptoms worsen. If you have a concern about your child’s health or need further information, you can also find advice from Department of Health and Public Health England here.
Symptoms
The most important symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of any of the following:
For most people, COVID-19 will be a mild illness. However, if you have any of the symptoms above you must stay at home and arrange to have a test to see if you have COVID-19 – go to testing to arrange.
Should there be any further guidance issued, we will update you. Please look out for texts and emails from us.
The helpline for questions about COVID-19 related to education:
Phone: 0800 046 8687
Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk
Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Mon to Fri)
Travel Guidance
This link below will help you understand how to travel safely during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in England. It provides guidance for walking, cycling, using private vehicles (for example cars and vans), and travelling by taxis and public transport (for example trains, buses, coaches and ferries).
You should avoid using public transport where possible. Instead try to walk, cycle, or drive. If you do travel, thinking carefully about the times, routes and ways you travel will mean we will all have more space to stay safe.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers
Testing
Do not wait. Ask for the test as soon as you have symptoms.
You can ask for a test:
In England, you can ask for a test for a child who lives with you, whatever their age.
For more information on hoe to get tested, visit:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-tests-and-testing-kits-for-coronavirus-covid-19-work