All the latest information relating to school.
Hello families.
We have come to the end of the Spring Term and the weather today is sunny. It makes everyone feel a little more hopeful for better times ahead.
I wanted to give you a quick update on how things are doing in school in relation to Covid19.
We continue to keep our children in their bubbles as much as is possible. Our cleaning regime has not changed and the staff continue to wipe down high contact areas around their bubble and their classroom areas. The staff continue to use Lateral Flow Tests twice a week and we have had several positive results. These have then all returned negative PCR tests and any bubbles that have been off have returned to school as quickly as possible. Thank you to all families who have supported school with this.
Please remember that although there is some relaxing of community restrictions it is still important that you stay socially distanced at all times.
We are now starting the Easter holidays. If your child becomes symptomatic at any point up to and including Friday 2nd April then can I ask that you inform school straight away. You can use the following email address:
covidwatch@willowgroveprimary.org.uk
If this were to happen I would still need to support Contact Tracing in school for Wednesday.
I want to take this opportunity to thank the staff in school for their continued hard work for your children. Schools have continued to play an important part in the lives of children and the staff in school have tried to keep to routines that your child is familiar with and to keep education at the focus of what we do.
I also want to thank our families. Your continued support is very much appreciated as we find our way through the guidance and rules we are all now living and working with.
Have a safe and happy Easter holidays and we will see you all back in school on Tuesday 20th April.
Mrs Murphy
Dear Families.
As you will already be aware, every member of staff in school is now taking a Lateral Flow Test twice a week in their own homes. They test on a Sunday and Wednesday evening. We are also Lateral Flow testing every member of agency staff and every student visitor twice a week prior to them going into any of the classrooms. We have been doing this now for 5 weeks. So far, we have had two positive tests returned and we have taken the appropriate actions as per the Government Guidance.
As of last week, the Government have now introduced further Lateral Flow Testing for anyone who has a child in a primary school setting and for people within that child’s bubble at home. This means that as families you can now Lateral Flow test your household to further protect your family members and the wider members of our school community. Primary aged children should not be tested due to their age.
The following information is taken directly from the Governments information.
The following people in England will have access to regular rapid lateral flow testing made available to them as schools and colleges reopen:
Primary school pupils will not be asked to test at this time.
If you’re a member of a household, childcare bubble of a pupil, student or staff of a school or college, you can get a twice-weekly test:
Take a test at a rapid lateral flow test site
You can take a rapid lateral flow test at a local site. Testing at these sites is assisted, which means you will swab yourself under the supervision of a trained operator.
You may need to book an appointment.
Find your nearest rapid lateral flow test site.
Collect test kits
You can collect 2 packs of home test kits at a local collection point. Each pack contains 7 tests.
Anyone 18 or over can collect.
Most collection points are open from 1.30pm to 7pm. You can check online if the location is open or busy before you go. You do not need to make an appointment.
Do not visit a collection point outside opening hours, as it may be used to test people with coronavirus symptoms outside these times.
Find your nearest home test kit collection point.
Order home test kits online
If you cannot get tested at your workplace, or are unable to go to a test site or collect test kits, you can order a home test kit online.
Do not order online if you can get a test through other methods. This frees up home delivery for those who need it most.
Order rapid lateral flow home test kits What twice-weekly testing involves
You will be asked to:
Report your test result online or by calling 119.
If anyone tests positive or gets coronavirus symptoms, they should:
Pupils, students and staff should also tell their school or college if they test positive.
The responsibility for this testing lies with the families but if you would like to ask us any questions regarding the guidance then call school and we will be happy to try to help you.
Thank you for your continued support.
Mrs Murphy