Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas break, and here’s to hoping 2022 is much better than 2021! It has been great to see all the children back these past couple of days; it has certainly helped to brighten up school in this winter weather.

There isn’t very much to inform you of this week; have a great weekend and we’ll see you again next week.

New Year Challenges

I shared with children the fact I was setting myself a challenge for the next twelve months…I’m giving them the details on Monday! I asked them if they had a challenge, we could share it with everyone and track it over the course of the year to see how they were getting on – and if any of us were still going! Have a chat with your child(ren) if that’s something you think they would be interested in.

COVID-19 Update

Obviously, it wouldn’t be the same without an update. This is what we’ve had from the DfE and local Public Health. Any queries or concerns, please contact us at school.

‘Since Wednesday 22 December, the 10 day self-isolation period for people who record a positive PCR test result for COVID-19 has been reduced to 7 days in most circumstances, unless you cannot test for any reason. Individuals may now take LFD tests on day 6 and day 7 of their self-isolation period. Those who receive two negative test results are no longer required to complete 10 full days of self-isolation. The first test must be taken no earlier than day 6 of the self-isolation period and tests must be taken 24 hours apart. This also applies to children under 5, with LFD testing at parental or guardian discretion. If both these test results are negative, and you do not have a high temperature, you may end your self-isolation after the second negative test result and return to your education setting from day 8.’

People who are fully vaccinated, or children and young people aged between 5 and 18 years and 6 months, identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19, should take an LFD test every day for seven days and continue to attend their setting as normal, unless they have a positive test result or develop symptoms at any time.

Day ‘0’ = the day that symptoms started; or the day of the PCR test if no symptoms (please note – not the date of the LFT test). 

Day 6 & 7 = Day 6 LFT must be negative and then the next LFT on day 7 (taken at least 24 hours after Day 6 LFT) must be negative. This is critical, for example: doing the LFT in the evening of day 6 and then at breakfast on day 7 is incorrect. If both LFT tests taken on Day 6 and Day 7 are negative, self isolation can stop so long as the individual does not have a high temperature and children can return to school on Day 7 (not on Day 8 as in previous guidance). If any of the tests are positive, isolation must continue until 2 consecutive tests taken at least 24 hours apart are received and the individual is not displaying a high temperature.

LFT tests should continue to be taken on days 8, 9 and 10.

Anyone who is unable to take LFT tests will need to complete the full 10 day period of self-isolation.

Take Care & Stay Safe

Mr Dunn