Covid Control Measures

 What will happen if a child or staff member display possible symptoms of Covid 19?

Just like last year, if anyone shows any of the symptoms of COVID-19 (however mild) they should not attend school. They should self-isolate and book a PCR test as soon as possible. If a child displays any of the symptoms of COVID-19 whilst in school, a parent / carer will be contacted to collect them and will be requested to book a PCR test.

The common symptoms of COVID-19 include: • a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature) • a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual) • a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal. Please remember that lateral flow tests are not designed for people with symptoms. If you have symptoms, you must book a PCR test.

What will happen if a child or staff member has a positive PCR test?

If anyone in the school tests positive for COVID-19 or becomes unwell with a new and persistent cough or a high temperature, or has a loss of or change in, their normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia), they must self-isolate and are advised to follow guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection: Stay at home: guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

What will happen if a member of a child’s household has a positive PCR test?

Since the 16th August, you are no longer required to self-isolate if you live in the same household as someone with COVID-19 and any of the following apply:

• you are fully vaccinated

• you are below the age of 18 years 6 months

• you have taken part in or are currently part of an approved COVID-19 vaccine trial

• you are not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons

Fully vaccinated means that you have been vaccinated with an MHRA approved COVID-19 vaccine in the UK, and at least 14 days have passed since you received the recommended doses of that vaccine. NHS Test and Trace will contact you to let you know that you have been identified as a contact and check whether you are legally required to self-isolate. If you are not legally required to self-isolate, you will be provided with advice on testing and given guidance on preventing the spread of COVID-19. Even if you do not have symptoms, you will be advised to have a PCR test as soon as possible. Even if you are vaccinated, you can still be infected with COVID-19 and pass it on to others. If you are identified as a contact of someone with COVID-19 but you are not required to self-isolate, you can help protect others by following the guidance on how to stay safe and help prevent the spread.

As well as getting a PCR test, you may also consider:

• limiting close contact with other people outside your household, especially in enclosed spaces

• wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces and where you are unable to maintain social distancing

• limiting contact with anyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable

• taking part in twice weekly LFD testing This advice applies while the person in your household with COVID-19 is self-isolating.

Will I be informed if there is a positive case in my child’s class?

Not as standard practice. This is because NHS Test and Trace have taken over the full responsibility for contact tracing. If your child has been deemed to be a close contact, then you will be contacted directly by Track and Trace. These changes to Track and Trace also mean that we will no longer send home close contacts of confirmed cases, unless instructed to do so by NHS Test and Trace. If a child (or a double vaccinated adult) is identified as a contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19, they will be requested to take a PCR test at a local testing centre as soon as possible and will only be requested to continue self-isolation if that test is positive. On receipt of a negative PCR test result, children (and double vaccinated staff) can return to school even if they are identified as a close contact of a confirmed case.

Will children still be required to maintain bubbles (consistent groups)?

No, children will be able to mix freely from September. However, schools are still required to maintain an “outbreak management plan” to reintroduce more restrictive measures in the event of an outbreak of COVID-19. What measures will you be taking in school to minimise the risk of COVID-19 spreading? Our main control measures, in line with government guidance, are as follows:

1. Ensure good hygiene for everyone

2. Maintain appropriate cleaning regimes

3. Keep occupied spaces well ventilated

4. Follow public health advice on testing, self-isolation and managing confirmed cases of COVID-19