Parent Bulletin No.2
Dear Parent/Carer
I am pleased to announce that we have had a very positive return to school so far. Pupils’ attitude and conduct have been excellent and my staff have all commented on how much they have enjoyed having the students back in their lessons, so I thought I would pass this on. There are a few important pieces of information below.
Dropping off and collecting pupils by car
Can I ask that you do not park in the drop off zone by the front gate at the end of the school day, this is particularly congested and causing problems. The Argoed Social Club have kindly agreed that we can use their car park; can I therefore ask that parents use the back gate at the end of the day if they wish to collect their child by car. This will free up the front gate drop off zone for taxis and the school bus.
Parents Evenings and Open Days
We have been advised that until further notice Parents Evenings and similar functions such as Open Evening / Days must take place virtually. We are currently updating our website and prospectus to provide information about the school. Year 10 parents will get an invite in the next week or so for the information evening on Tuesday the 21 September. This will take place via Microsoft Teams.
Covid-19
At alert level zero, there will be more flexibility to determine what is required to manage risks. However, COVID-19 has not gone away, and reducing close interactions between individuals is still important in helping to control its spread.
Below is a selection of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) provided by Welsh Government. The full article can be viewed at: https://gov.wales/schools-coronavirus-guidance
Can my child attend school if they have a cold?
If a child has mild cold-like symptoms they should continue to go to school, if fit to do so. The three main symptoms of COVID-19 to be aware of are:
• a new continuous cough
• fever or high temperature
• loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste
If your child develops one of these symptoms they should follow the self-isolation guidance and you should apply for a coronavirus test.
Who should I inform if I or my child has displayed symptoms of COVID-19?
Children displaying symptoms of Covid-19 should remain at home, and parents are advised to arrange a test and ensure self-isolation guidance is adhered to. If the test comes back positive, the contact tracing system will commence for that case. Children are not required to provide evidence of any negative test on return to school.
Am I required to self-isolate if I am identified as a close contact of someone with coronavirus?
All adults who have been fully vaccinated, or those under 18, are no longer required to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact of someone with coronavirus. Advice will be offered for these individuals to minimise any risks and stay safe. There may be certain circumstances where fully vaccinated and under 18s contacts may still be asked to self-isolate by the Test, Trace, Protect service – further advice will be provided in this instance.
My child has been identified as a close contact and advised to take a PCR test – can they attend school?
PCR tests will be offered to anyone who is identified as a close contact – these are not mandatory but are recommended. If your child does not have symptoms and has not been advised to stay home/self-isolate by TTP then they can attend the school. Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 or has any of the COVID-19 symptoms should self-isolate and not attend the school.
If my child is a contact and does not take a PCR test do they need to isolate?
If your child does not have symptoms and has not been advised to stay home/self-isolate by TTP then they can attend the school.
What is the role of the school within the contact tracing process?
Schools are asked to support TTP teams by having core information available including staff, children and visitor’s contact details, attendance records and any knowledge of the learner’s immediate friendship group. It is TTP’s role to identify which individuals meet the definition of a close contact and who, if anyone, would be required to self-isolate. Contacts from a school will only be traced by TTP where the positive case identifies the individual as being a close contact. This is likely to be a small number of individuals who would be most at risk of contracting COVID-19 due to the nature of the contact. However, the school may be advised to take a ‘warn and inform’ approach to update parents/carers and staff on the situation and what they need to do, based on TTP advice.
What advice does warn and inform cover?
The warn and inform approach reinforces key messages about the risk to others from COVID-19 and what can be done to minimise this risk, e.g. by remaining vigilant for new symptoms, having a low threshold for seeking a test even with mild symptoms, and avoiding contact with vulnerable family and friends in the short-term (such as elderly relatives or those who are higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection). Identified contacts will also be offered PCR tests.
I wish you all a pleasant weekend.
Yours faithfully
Mr P Smith
Headteacher