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COVID Update Letter for Parents and Carers - 28th February 2022


To download a PDF version of the below letter, please CLICK HERE.

28th February 2022

Dear Parents/Carers,

You will be aware that as from Thursday 24th February 2022 the Government announced that all COVID restrictions will be lifted. However, after releasing advice to schools, we are writing to inform you that at this current time, special schools are exempt from some of these changes. The most important points being:

  • · Pupils and staff are still expected to stay at home and avoid contact with others if they have the main COVID symptoms or test positive on a PCR or lateral flow device.
  • · Pupils in year 7 and above, and staff in special schools are asked to continue with twice weekly lateral flow testing.

We refer you to the following government document guidance:

COVID-19: people with COVID-19 and their contacts

SEND and specialist settings: additional COVID-19 operational guidance

Dedicated transport to schools and colleges COVID-19 operational guidance

Children and young people with COVID-19 should not attend their education setting while they are infectious.

They should take an LFD test from 5 days after their symptoms started (or the day their test was taken if they did not have symptoms) followed by another one the next day. If both these tests results are negative, they should return to their educational setting if they normally attend one, as long as they feel well enough to do so and do not have a temperature.

We are awaiting further guidance from the Local Authority with regard to some aspects of the new approach which are less clear, we will however still work with you as parents/carers to come to the best solution possible for your child’s safety and the school.

Know the symptoms of COVID-19

The main symptoms of COVID-19 are a recent onset of any of the following:

  • a new continuous cough
  • a high temperature
  • a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)

If your child any of these symptoms you should order a PCR test. They are advised to stay at home and avoid contact with other people while you are waiting for the test result.

The most effective way to avoid passing on COVID-19 infection is to stay at home and avoid contact with other people.

If you are at all unsure of what to do, please call the school or email covidtestresults@halesbury.dudley.sch.uk for advice and information.

What to do if you are a close contact of someone who has COVID-19

Children and young people who usually attend an education or childcare setting and who live with someone who has COVID-19 should continue to attend the setting as normal.

While there is no longer a requirement to contact trace, we will continue to closely monitor and limit any outbreaks in school.

Asymptomatic testing in specialist settings and SEND units in mainstream settings Staff and pupils in specialist SEND settings…, are currently advised to continue regular twice weekly testing.

This will be a continuation of the current home testing for pupils and staff in years 7 upwards. Testing kits will continue to be provided by the school. 7 day close contact testing has ended.

Face coverings

Face coverings are no longer advised for pupils, students, staff and visitors in classrooms or communal areas. Staff and pupils should follow wider advice on face coverings … including on transport to and from school or college.

There is no longer a legal requirement to wear a face covering but the government suggests people continue to wear one in crowded and enclosed spaces where they may come into contact with people they do not normally meet.

We would still request that staff and pupils in year 7+ bring a face covering to school every day if they are able to wear one.

Control measures still in place at Halesbury

  • Ensuring good hygiene for everyone
  • Maintaining appropriate cleaning regimes
  • Keeping occupied spaces well ventilated with air cleaning units in rooms with a high CO2 reading
  • Following guidance advice on testing, self-isolation and managing confirmed cases of COVID-19

Please be assured that we are continuing to do all we can to keep all pupils safe and work with you.

Yours sincerely,

Mr J Kulyk

Head Teacher

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