10/01/22

Covid update

As predicted, we are seeing numbers of positive cases of Covid increasing. As we broke up for Christmas, we had 4 positive cases. Today we have 16 positive cases (recorded since being back after Christmas).

The Omicron variant is highly transmissible and case numbers in Telford are doubling every 1 ½ to 2 days.

Although the rate of transmission is having a significant impact on the NHS in terms of admissions, emerging evidence suggests that overall people are experiencing milder illnesses.

We are gaining feedback from the vast majority of staff and parents, that the impact of Covid on health, is thankfully less than the Delta variant, so that is positive.

As I have stated previously, we take advice from the Health Protection Hub, who in turn take advice from the national guidance which is Government led. The next review is the 26^th January so it is likely that we will see yet more change following this.

I just want to clarify for parents some key points currently:

• A day 6 and day 7 negative LFT test is required (24 hours apart) for children to be allowed out of isolation and back to school. Please don’t risk it and send them back unless you are absolutely sure.
• It is now recommended that the response to a single case in a class is to request 7 day LFD testing for the other children in the class. We understand this is not only a pain when looking at testing our youngest children and more nervous children, but also tricky as testing kits are becoming more and more difficult to find. It really would help us keep the transmission rates at a manageable level if you could do this please.
• We will let you know if your child has been identified as a close contact e.g. sits on the same table as the positive case.
• From tomorrow, people who receive positive lateral flow results for COVID-19 following testing when they have no symptoms, will be required to self-isolate immediately and won’t be required to take a confirmatory PCR test. People with symptoms must continue to book a PCR test.
• Attention to ventilation, face coverings for staff, regular testing for staff, hand washing, hand sanitizing are all continuing as before.
• We are still unable to invite parents into school. Any essential visitors e.g. staff carrying out referral assessments are required to bring proof of a negative LFT on arrival.
• We are still carrying out some trips out of school, again following robust risk assessments. Part of the risk assessment is that anyone travelling on a coach must wear a face covering. If this is an issue, please contact the office for further advice.
• We have produced a detailed risk assessment for e.g. the continuation of part mixing children to carry out phonics teaching. Staff follow this risk assessment so that we can continue to deliver high quality phonics teaching at the correct pitch and pace for all of our children.

We are ever optimistic that we will all be in a much better place with managing Covid come the spring. Until then, we need to continue to work together to keep Newdale open and operational for everyone. I know communication is really important, so will let you know of any changes that arise as soon as we know of them.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Miss Cook

Headteacher

Newdale Primary School and Nursery