COVID-19 INFORMATION
Covid-19 Frequently Asked Questions – September 2021
How has National guidance changed?
Schools Covid-19 operational guidance states: “Individuals are not required to self-isolate if they live in the same household as someone with COVID-19, or are a close contact of someone with COVID-19, and any of the following apply:
- they are fully vaccinated
- they are below the age of 18 years and 6 months
- they have taken part in or are currently part of an approved COVID-19 vaccine trial
- they are not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons
Instead, they will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace, informed they have been in close contact with a positive case and advised to take a PCR test”
What are the main Covid-19 symptoms?
- a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
- a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you’ve noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal
If my child has symptoms, can they come to school?
No. They should remain at home. The child with symptoms should get a PCR test and wait for a negative result before returning to school. If positive, they will need to self-isolate for 10 days. If negative and they are well, they can then return to school.
If someone else in the household has symptoms, can my child come to school?
Yes, the child can continue to attend school if they have no symptoms. The person with symptoms should get a test and should self-isolate while they wait for the result.
If someone in the household tests positive, can my child come to school?
You are advised to book a PCR test for all household members. Providing symptoms do not develop children living in a household with positive people can continue coming into school. Parents and carers should remain vigilant to any developing symptoms for their child.
If someone in the class has symptoms, what happens?
The child with symptoms will be sent home and should get a PCR test and self-isolate while waiting for the results. The other children in the class will continue to attend school.
If someone in the class tests positive, what happens?
That child will self-isolate for 10 days and the family will receive a call from NHS test and trace.
All children in the class can continue to attend school. Parents and carers of the class or year group where there is a positive case will be informed. We will also send a letter to inform the whole school of a positive case. Parents and carers should remain vigilant to any developing symptoms for their child.
Do I have to tell the school if my child has tested positive for COVID -19?
Yes, please report all positive PCR results via the school website. Even though we are no longer responsible for Track and Trace we do have a responsibility to inform the class. Informing the school will also help with planning and tracking transmission rates.
https://rhodesavenue.school/our-school/report-a-positive-covid-19-test/
Does my child need to take regular lateral flow tests?
No, this is not a requirement for Primary schools. We would encourage all adults to take regular (twice a week) lateral flow device tests to help identify early onset of Covid-19.
What happens if lots of children at school test positive?
If this happens, we will involve our local health protection team and they will advise us if any additional action is required. This may include wider testing or certain groups or classes moving to remote education. Please see our COVID Contingency Plan.
What happens if a staff member tests positive?
The staff member will self-isolate for 10 days. If a teacher tests positive, the children will either be taught by a cover member of staff or a supply teacher. Some remote teaching may be available if the staff member is well enough to work.
Will children be in bubbles?
Children will no longer be in class bubbles. Break times and lunch time will be shared with other classes and year groups. Children will eat their lunch in the hall. Where possible, children will sit together with their class for lunch and tables will be sanitised in between use by different groups.
Will there be whole school assemblies?
Whole school assemblies will not take place altogether in the school hall but we will have assemblies in smaller groups. Reception will have their own assembly, Years 1, 2 & 3 will form one group and Years 4,5 & 6 another. We will continue to have digital assemblies once a week. .
If my question is not answered here what should I do?
Please get in touch we are always here to help.
COVID Outbreak Contingency Plan
Teaching offer – updated Sept 2021
Phased Recovery Plan for September 2021 Onwards
ACCENT catering COVID Safety Notice
The school’s Risk Assessment is available on request.
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