Coronavirus Support and Information

Joint Update from Mrs Dyer and Mrs Short
Hobletts Schools Covid-19 Guidance for September 2021

It has been wonderful to welcome everyone back this week and we do hope that your children have enjoyed their first few days in their new classes.
As you may be aware, COVID-19 guidance for schools has been updated and we thought it might be helpful to provide a little extra information for you based on the very latest National and Local advice. We have used a leaflet for parent/carers produced by the government as a basis for our communication.

School is the best place for your child to be.
 With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, children are now able to enjoy more freedom in their education.
 Being at school keeps children’s education on track, so they can achieve their full potential, while also benefitting their mental and physical health and wellbeing.
 We are doing everything we can to ensure your child can continue to attend school.

What COVID-19 measures will change at Hobletts?
School will feel different for your child as COVID-19 measures are relaxed.
• Bubbles and staggered start and finish times are no longer advised.
• Children can again have break times and lunch together and take part in practical lessons and sports with other classes and year groups.
• Face coverings are no longer required for staff or visitors but at Hobletts we are strongly recommending that masks are worn by parents/visitors/volunteers who are entering the school building.
• Schools are advised to continue with regular handwashing, cleaning regimes, and to keep spaces well ventilated. At Hobletts we will be maintaining the stringent systems that we had in place last term.
• If your child is identified as a close contact they will not need to self-isolate unless specifically advised to do so by NHS Track and Trace. However, you are advised to take them for a PCR test.
• Risk Assessments and Management Plans for both schools remain in place and under review. We will obviously keep you updated of any changes, as appropriate.

Should my child attend school?
Yes, attendance is mandatory. Public Health England and the Government’s Chief Medical & Scientific Officers agree that there is a very low risk and rate of severe illness in children from COVID-19. ‘The benefit of attending school continues to significantly outweigh the COVID-19 health risk to children. If you have concerns, you should discuss these with your school and local authority so that your child is able to continue attending.’

What should I do if my child has COVID-19 symptoms?
 If your child has any of the main COVID-19 symptoms (a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste), they should not attend school and should stay at home.
 You should arrange for them to get a PCR test and tell your child’s school the test results. Your child should not attend school while you are waiting for test results, even if they are feeling better.
 If the test is negative, your child should go to school as normal. If they test positive, they should continue to isolate and follow Public Health advice.

What happens if my child has been in contact with someone with COVID-19 symptoms?
If your child has been identified as a close contact, you will be advised that your child takes a PCR test and they should isolate until the result is received. They will not have to self-isolate, unless they have a positive PCR test result.
Identification of close contacts is now undertaken by NHS Track and Trace.

Will my child be vaccinated?
Children at primary school are not being offered the vaccine.

If my child was previously considered as clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV), should they attend school?
Yes. All children who were considered as CEV should have returned to school following the end of shielding measures on 1st April 2021.

Will my child be required to continue any remote learning?
If your child is isolating due to a positive PCR test, schools will continue to implement high-quality remote education so that children can learn from home if they are well enough. We will continue to liaise with families to ensure that this is provided in the most accessible format for you.

How will my child catch up on any lost learning?
There is lots of support available to help your child catch up on any lost learning over the course of the pandemic or to boost their wellbeing. To find out more about what’s on offer and who is eligible, visit: https://educationcatchup.campaign.gov.uk/ or speak to your child’s school.

For further information and guidance:
• What to expect when pupils return to school in September, visit:
gov.uk/backtoschool
• How to order a rapid COVID-19 test for asymptomatic testing:
https://maps.test-and-trace.nhs.uk
• How to report your rapid COVID-19 test results:
https://www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result or call 119 (free from mobile or landline)
• How to order a PCR test if you or your child has COVID-19 symptoms:
https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test

Many thanks in advance for your continued support and understanding in what continue to be challenging times for us all.