Message for all families
Friday, October 22, 2021
Keeping you up to date as possible
Dear families,
Sorry to write to you again so soon after yesterday’s email but Public Health Somerset emailed all schools last night, regarding the increased prevalence of COVID in Somerset. As you may be aware the South West, and Somerset in particular, is amongst the highest areas of infection in the country at present.
This term, all schools have been given an individual traffic light rating depending upon how many positive cases they have. Until last weekend we were the lowest banding as our numbers were low compared to other schools. At this point we only had 18 positive cases out of 900+ students, compared to some schools that have 250+. This has seen an increase over the last week and now we currently have 47 positive cases.
We were already doing a lot of what Public Health Somerset see as good practice in terms of cleaning and maintain good ventilation, but they have recommended that we adopt the following practices for the first two weeks that we return to school in November:
· Encourage students to take twice weekly Lateral Flow Tests (LFTs)
· Not having Whole School Assemblies, which means that our annual ‘Remembrance Assembly’ will be a virtual one
· Re-introduce face coverings when moving around school in between lessons, for students and staff (unless exempt)
· Any close contacts of confirmed COVID cases, as identified by NHS Test & Trace, to book a PCR test. Whilst waiting the results undertake a daily LFT and only attend school if this is negative
The advice remains, also, to stay off school if you have any COVID symptoms and/or if you have tested positive.
As mentioned, this guidance lasts for the first two weeks of term and in that fortnight I will continue to be in regular contact with PHS (we speak twice per week on the phone) and I will advise of next steps as soon as I am aware of them.
I wanted to write so soon after my last email so that everyone has time to ensure that they had a mask for when we get back to school. To emphasise on the face coverings – they do not need to be worn at any time other than when moving around school in between lessons. Students will be asked to have them on as they come through the gate in the morning and as they leave each classroom, as we did previously. Face coverings remain optional for students and staff in lessons, as is the case currently. If students are exempt they should have an exemption lanyard or can see Ann Lambert for an exemption card which can be kept in their blazer pocket.
Best wishes
Gregg Morrison
Principal
