COVID Procedures (September 2021)
From the 16th August, the Government said that people aged 18 years and 6 months or those who are fully vaccinated will no longer be legally required to isolate if they are a close contact of someone with COVID-19. Instead, such people will be advised to get a PCR test unless they have had a positive PCR test in the previous 90 days.
This means that should a member of a class test positive for COVID the class can remain open, but all children, and staff must book a PCR test, and report the results. They can come into school whilst awaiting the PCR test results, assuming they are completely symptom free. If a child, or staff member is living with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19,
I would advise a daily test before coming into school (that can be done in the morning or the night before).
Regardless of age or vaccination status, anyone who develops any of the main symptoms of COVID-19 must get a PCR test as soon as possible and isolate until the result is received. People who get a positive PCR test must continue to isolate as usual. Please contact school by phone or email to inform us if your child has COVID-19 symptoms and you are awaiting the results of the PCR test.
Tips and resources for remote learning and education during the lockdown
Now that most students are working and studying remotely due to the current lockdown measures around the UK, we thought it would be useful to compile some useful tips. Below you will find a list of useful tools, ideas and educational resources that can be used to help improve the lockdown experience for everyone. The UK government also has some guides on remote education to help you during this process.
Remote Learning
There are several online tools and resources for remote learning to choose from. Here are some recommended ones. Oak National Academy has videos as well as interactive lessons available for reception students all the way up to year 11. These are ideal to support remote learning. There are over 10,000 free lessons and resources available for both students and teachers.
Another website with many resources for primary and secondary pupils and teachers is BBC Bitesize. Here you will find videos, lessons, quizzes, activities and more.
If you have young children up to the ages of 5 Hungry Little Minds is another great resource to utilise.
Mental Health and Wellbeing during the lockdown
An important topic, which is not mentioned enough is the mental wellbeing of students during these difficult times. There are many helpful resources online with advice for both students and their parents. Young Minds is a website with help and advice for children as well as their parents. On their website you will find advice about the impact of coronavirus and self-isolation on mental well being and how they can help.
Another useful tool is Headspace. You can start with a free trial. Headspace is a tool that helps with meditation and relaxation. Something that may be ideal for students during these often stressful times.