Current Landscape

On Monday 21 February 2022, the Prime Minister set out the next phase of the government’s COVID-19 response. COVID-19 continues to be a virus that we learn to live with and the imperative to reduce the disruption to children and young people’s education remains a priority. Please see what the government have outlined to support schools.

What parents and carers need to know about schools.

COVID-19 Symptoms:

  1. a high temperature: any new high temperature where your child feels hot to touch on their chest or back (you do not need to measure the temperature)
  2. a new continuous cough: coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
  3. a loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste: a noticeable loss of smell or taste or things smell and taste different to normal

Managing COVID-19 in school

Good ventilation, hygiene and encouraging vaccination uptake, as well as following any additional advice from local directors of public health, are the best measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in education settings. We have shared the risk assessments (currently under review) for each of our sites.

Ventilation

Many classrooms and communal areas in school remain well-ventilated and we are using a range of options to keep air flowing, balancing the need for good ventilation with keeping classrooms warm.

Hand hygiene

Regular hand washing is an effective way to reduce your risk of catching illnesses, including COVID-19. If you need to sneeze or cough, use a tissue to ‘Catch it, Bin it, Kill it.’

Testing

The government no longer recommends regular testing for pupils and staff in mainstream educational settings for those without symptoms.

Self Isolation

From 24 February, the government removed the legal requirement to self-isolate following a positive COVID-19 test. Fully vaccinated individuals and those aged under 18 who are close contacts of someone with COVID-19 are no longer asked to complete daily lateral flow device (LFD) testing for seven days, and routine contract tracing will end. Unvaccinated individuals are no longer legally required to self-isolate if they are a close contact with someone with COVID-19. Staff and children who are contacts should attend school. This includes staff who have been in close contact within their household.

We are here to help

If you have any questions or you need support with your current circumstances due to COVID-19 please do, make contact. We will aim to help you or signpost you to those who can.