As we approach the end of term it is important to look at how we manage our return for the next academic year.

Until we reach step 4 please remember that isolating requirements are that you or your child remain indoors at home; they should not be attending beavers or scouts, football clubs, shopping or at the local playground.  This will keep our whole community as safe as possible.

On the 6^th July the following detail was published by the Government regarding Step 4 and the removal of restrictions; this will help inform planning for our return in September. 

From 16 August, the legal requirement to self-isolate for contacts of a positive case will end for everyone aged under 18, and for adults who have been fully vaccinated.  

This means that from the autumn term, only those who test positive will need to self-isolate.  From Step 4, NHS test and trace will carry out contact tracing in all education settings rather than being run by the school or college. Those identified as close contacts will be advised to take a PCR test, and only need to isolate if they test positive. Children must self-isolate if they have symptoms of Covid or a positive test result.  

Testing for close contacts under 18 will be split into two categories. All Primary, Secondary and College age children should take a single PCR test. Early Years children should only take a PCR test if a member of their household tests positive.  

Once we have been able to review our process in school this will be emailed to all parents over the summer holiday and added to latest news on the school website.

• We expect to maintain good hygiene practices encouraging pupils to continue with their use of tissues, and handwashing. 
• Antibac will still be used in school for staff and visitors with handwashing still encouraged prior to entering school.
• We expect to continue with our one way system into and out of school grounds at drop off and collection each day.
• Staff may continue to wear masks in closed contact environments as is being encouraged as part of best practice.  We would ask you to consider doing the same wherever possible when in close proximity to others on school grounds
• Practical decisions surrounding PE days, inviting parents onto site for assemblies etc will have to be taken once we are fully aware of the implications of a removal of restriction.
   

Ultimately the most important requirement is to keep everyone save and able to attend school on a daily basis.  We want to take every opportunity to return to our new normal as soon as safely possible and continue with a consistent education journey for everyone.

Please keep an eye on the school website and your emails over the summer break.

Mrs Underhill