COVID-19 Updates
Uploading Test Results to Arbor
You MUST record PCR test results, regardless of outcome.
POSITIVE Lateral flow results are required.
Negative Lateral flow results are helpful but not required.
Open Arbor
Click Profile
Click Add Information
Scroll to COVID-19 Test
Enter the Data (Barcode optional)
Save
Alternatively, call us and provide the information required and we will complete the form for you.
Traffic Light Response System
Green - Inform
IF
There have been no cases of Covid within school for 10 school days.
Cases of Covid locally (within Hampshire) are low and / or stable.
Hospitalisation / Deaths due to Covid nationally are low.
THEN
No Covid measures are necessary beyond:
Reminding children of good hand-hygiene.
Ensuring good ventilation encouraged where practical, using the CO2 monitors to aid decision making when they reach red.
Ensuring Children / Staff to stay at home if they have Covid Symptoms (and to book a PCR test).
PCR Tests to be recorded on Arbor regardless of outcome, with pupils allowed to return on result of a negative test being recorded or school being informed.
School events indoor and outdoor will be open to families.
Face coverings at the discretion of individuals visiting, staff will not wear face coverings in communal areas.
Staff will be advised to continue to test themselves using Lateral flow tests 2x weekly.
*Face coverings required for all individuals visiting.
* Staff will wear face coverings in communal rooms and corridors.
*Mandatory testing 2x weekly of Lateral Flow Tests for all staff on specified days [Sundays and Wednesdays).
*Mandatory testing using Lateral Flow Tests for all volunteers on the day they are due to volunteer up to a maximum of twice per week in-line with staff.
*DENOTES A TEMPORARY CHANGE FOR THREE WEEKS STARTING ON 30/11/21 IN RESPONSE TO THIS GUIDANCE
Amber - Warn
IF
There have been 5 cases of Covid across a year group / key stage within 10 days (which could mean that Covid is spreading within that group of children).
Cases of Covid are rising rapidly in the local area (New Forest).
Covid is causing disruption to other local schools (this includes Testwood Secondary School and local primary settings in addition to settings within Gateway Multi-Academy Trust).
United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) - previously referred to as Public Health England (PHE) informs the school that there are increasing rates and further action is required or the school is advised to take action.
THEN
Supervision of hand-washing for pupils to ensure compliance and promote hand-hygiene.
All windows in classrooms to be opened, doors to be used to provide bursts of air during transition times (for example between lessons and break/lunch times) using the CO2 monitors to aid decision making when at least amber.
Ensuring Children / Staff to stay at home if they have Covid Symptoms (and to book a PCR test).
PCR Tests to be recorded on Arbor regardless of outcome, with pupils allowed to return ONLY on the result of a negative test having been recorded to ensure compliance.
Adaption of, limiting of, or postponing of INDOOR sporting events, trips, open days and performances.
Internal whole-school assemblies are replaced with Key Stage assemblies or class assemblies wherever practically possible to do so.
Sports Fixtures and events involving OTHER SCHOOLS to be postponed if held indoors.
Adaption of OUTDOOR events which can continue subject to an assessment of risks.
Face coverings required for all individuals visiting, staff will wear face coverings in communal rooms and encouraged to do so in the corridors.
Minimum Mandatory testing 2x weekly of Lateral Flow Tests for all staff on specified days [Sundays and Wednesdays)
Mandatory testing using Lateral Flow Tests for all volunteers on the day they are due to volunteer up to a maximum of twice per week in-line with staff.
The number of visitors permitted to enter school will be reduced and non-essential visitors will be postponed wherever possible.
Reduction in movement between classes/groups wherever possible.
Separated lunch spaces indoors, wherever possible, but not strictly enforced, with children continuing to mix outdoors as normal.
A reduction in the amount of classes staff work across wherever possible, but not strictly enforced.
Staff-room capacity is reduced at break time and lunch times with other spaces around school used wherever possible, but not strictly enforced.
The school will discuss the outbreak with the local health protection team in Hampshire and agree to potentially strengthening protective measures for 10 school days.
Red - Alert
IF
Despite the measures indicated above, Covid cases within the school continue to rise within a 10 day period with multiple classes and staff affected, suggesting that Covid is spreading widely throughout the school. infection wave.
THEN
Supervision of hand-washing for pupils to ensure compliance and promote hand-hygiene.
All windows in classrooms to be opened, doors to be used to provide bursts of air during transition times (for example between lessons and break/lunch times) using the CO2 monitors to aid decision making when at least amber.
Ensuring Children / Staff to stay at home if they have Covid Symptoms (and to book a PCR test).
PCR Tests to be recorded on Arbor regardless of outcome, with pupils allowed to return ONLY on the result of a negative test having been recorded to ensure compliance.
Indoor events, regardless of setting, are cancelled.
Outdoor events, unless essential, are cancelled.
Face coverings required for all individuals visiting, staff will wear face coverings when not teaching pupils and in communal areas, including corridors.
Mandatory testing 2x weekly of Lateral Flow Tests for all staff on specified days [Sundays and Wednesdays)
Mandatory testing using Lateral Flow Tests for all volunteers on the day they are due to volunteer up to a maximum of twice per week in-line with staff.
Essential volunteers only (for example supervision of OWL for health and safety purposes) are permitted to enter school, using external entrances and exists to move around wherever possible.
The number of visitors permitted to enter school will be reduced and non-essential visitors will be postponed unless it is essential for safety, safeguarding or medical health (including mental health) where the visitor is unlikely to be able to be rescheduled without negatively impacting on pupil development or welfare.
Whole-school assemblies are replaced with Key Stage assemblies or class assemblies.
Reduction in movement between classes/groups.
Separated lunch spaces indoors, children separated outdoors to reduce mixing.
A reduction in the amount of classes staff work across wherever possible.
Staff-room capacity is reduced at break time and lunch times with other spaces around school.
The school will discuss the outbreak with the local health protection team in Hampshire and agree to potentially strengthening protective measures for ~10 school days.
'Foggers' used to disinfect classrooms and surfaces effectively.
Communication
01/04/22
Latest Guidance
adults with the symptoms of a respiratory infection, who have a high temperature or feel unwell, should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until they feel well enough to resume normal activities and they no longer have a high temperature.
children and young people who are unwell and have a high temperature should stay at home and avoid contact with other people. They can go back to school, college or childcare when they no longer have a high temperature, and they are well enough to attend.
adults with a positive COVID-19 test result should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 5 days, which is when they are most infectious. For children and young people aged 18 and under, the advice is 3 days.
09/03/2022
Attention: All Students, Staff, Parents & Guardians
🦠 COVID-UPDATES, we are starting to see a rise in school cases and a few parents are seeking clarification....
SIX KEY POINTS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED
😷 Got symptoms? - Get a PCR test to confirm you are positive. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms/what-to-do-if-you-get-symptoms-again/
❌ The legal requirement to self-isolate if you have coronavirus ended on 24 February
🖐️ People who test positive for coronavirus are advised to stay at home for at least five full days and then continue to stay at home until they have two negative tests on consecutive days.
😷 Pupils who have coronavirus should not attend their education setting while they are infectious.
🧪 They should take a lateral flow device (LFD) test from five days after their symptoms started, or the day their test was taken if they did not have symptoms, followed by another test on the next day.
🎒They can return to school if both these tests are negative, and they feel well enough to do so and do not have a temperature.
YOUR OTHER QUESTIONS ANSWERED
👉CHANGES ON THE 1ST OF APRIL 2022
From 1 April, the government will provide updated guidance on ongoing steps people with coronavirus should take to minimise contact with others.
👉 ADULTS AT HOME
The UKHSA guidance says that if you have coronavirus, you should not attend work and work from home where possible. If you cannot work from home, you should speak to your employer about the options available. There is no specific advice on how this works in practice for schools so we are temporarily ensuring all staff who test positive remain at home.
👉 WHAT IF I SEND MY CHILD TO SCHOOL AND THEY HAVE TESTED POSITIVE?
The DfE has advised that if a parent insists their child attends school when they have tested positive or are displaying symptoms of coronavirus, the school can refuse the pupil’s attendance if, in its reasonable judgement, it is necessary to protect other pupils and staff from possible infection with coronavirus.
👉 WHAT ABOUT CLOSE CONTACTS OF POSITIVE CASES?
Starting on 24 February, fully-vaccinated close contacts and close contacts under 18 will not be asked to test daily for seven days. The requirement for close contacts who are not fully vaccinated to self-isolate will also be removed from this date.
👉 WHAT DO I DO IF SOMEONE IN MY HOUSE IS POSITIVE?
The UKHSA guidance says that people who live in the same household as someone with coronavirus, or those who have stayed overnight in the same household, are at high risk of becoming infected. For the 10 days following the close contact, individuals are advised to:
1) Minimise contact with the person with coronavirus.
Work from home if they can.
2) Avoid contact with people who are at higher risk of becoming severely unwell if they get coronavirus.
Limit close contact with those outside their household.
Wear a face covering in crowded, enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces and when they are in close contact with others.
3) Order a PCR test if they develop symptoms and stay home while they wait for the results.
4) Pupils should continue to attend school as normal even if they have been in close contact with someone with coronavirus.
👉 WILL THE NHS STILL CONTACT TRACE?
Routine contact tracing will also end from this 24 February. People with coronavirus are advised to get in touch with their close contacts themselves so they can follow the guidance above.
👉 WHY DON'T STAFF TEST WEEKLY?
From 21 February, school staff and pupils in most settings will no longer be advised to test twice weekly. From 1 April, the government will no longer provide free symptomatic and asymptomatic tests to the general public.
👉 WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD DO AT HOME?
https://www.oakfield.hants.sch.uk/classes/remote-education
Online education is available for children who are at home isolating and are well-enough to complete learning. Teachers post this on Dojo and children are asked to respond their too. If you a struggling with internet, devices or need support please let us know and we can help. Daily reading, online activities and independent study is available on the pupil portal with login information if your child's planner.
13/01/22
Attention: All Students, Staff, Parents & Guardians
Warn & Inform Letter (v2)
🦠 COVID UPDATE
Thank you to everyone who has carried out lateral flow tests on their children last night/this morning, we have identified a number of children who are positive but did not have any symptoms and they are now at home preventing the spread.
I encourage EVERYONE to do these with your children wherever possible as we can then have a whole-school approach to stopping the spread.
***
😳 We contacted parents yesterday by text to inform them if their child has been in close contact with a positive individual for a period of time. If you were contacted by test message please test your child every day (mornings are better) for 7 days as set out in the advice from the government.
***
👀 HOME LEARNING FOR CHILDREN AT HOME
If your child is at home and is not unwell, there is learning available that matches closely what is being taught in the classroom. We aren't able to 'live stream' or offer prerecorded sessions as we did during lockdown but everything you need is available. If your child is ill there is no expectation that they should complete learning, though we encourage everyone to keep doing what they can, including reading!
👀 ACCESSING THE INTERNET AT HOME
If you are struggling with access to the internet and need support please contact us and we can loan devices in certain circumstances. Your child will complete learning and add this to their 'portfolio' online via their profile.
Thank you for your understanding, please call if you need anything and we'll do our best to help.
***
Useful links:
😷Book a PCR if you have symptoms: https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test
😷 Order Lateral Flow Tests (I would recommend everyone doing this and having a box at home):
https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests
😷Information on School Restrictions: https://www.oakfield.hants.sch.uk/admin/coronavirus
😷 How to report your test results on Arbor: https://www.oakfield.hants.sch.uk/admin/coronavirus
😷 Book Vaccinations: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/
😷 NHS Covid-19 Hub: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Like
Comment
12/01/22
Attention: All Students, Staff, Parents & Guardians
Warn & Inform Letter (v2)
Dear Parents,
We have been advised that there have been a number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the school.
We appreciate that you may find this concerning, so we are continuing to monitor the situation and are providing the following advice. Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.
What are we already doing?
Students and staff who have tested positive are isolating. The children and staff who are identified as contacts of the confirmed cases will have guidance from NHS Test and Trace.
Those aged five and above will be advised to take daily LFD tests before attending school for a period of 7 days. Outbreak control measures are also in place within the setting and being kept under review.
If your child is well
The school remains open. If your child remains well, they can continue to attend school as normal. We will keep this under review.
In addition to daily LFD testing for close contacts, we encourage household members aged 11 and over to continue with twice weekly LFD testing to help identify cases promptly.
If you think your child is a close contact but has not been contacted directly by NHS Test and Trace, then we would advise they undertake daily LFD tests for a period of 7 days. This advice applies to children aged 5 and over.
Whilst daily testing for 7 days is your choice, it is strongly encouraged as it helps to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in your community. (If not already provided, LFD tests are available via community testing sites, local pharmacies or you can order online for home delivery).
If your child develops symptoms of COVID-19 or tests positive for COVID-19
If your child develops symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), they should get a PCR test (https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or call 119) and remain at home at least until the result is known and they are fever free (without medication) for at least 24 hours.
· If negative, the child can end self-isolation and return to school once well;
· If positive, the child should isolate as a positive case (see below)
People who test positive for COVID-19 should self-isolate at home until they are well (48 hours fever free) and either:
a) 10 full days have passed, or
b) They have produced two negative LFD tests at least 24 hours apart, with the first taken no earlier than day 6.
Note: Lingering coughs and changes to smell/taste are not a sign of ongoing infectiousness, so children can return to school if they have ended their self-isolation period (see above).
If your child does not have symptoms, count the day they took the test as day 0. If they subsequently develop symptoms, they will need to restart their isolation period using the day symptoms developed as day 0.
You can seek advice on COVID-19 symptoms from the nhs.uk website. If you are concerned about your child’s symptoms, or they are worsening you can seek advice from NHS 111 at https://111.nhs.uk/ or by phoning 111
Instructions for people who live in the same household as someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or is symptomatic and awaiting a test result
NHS Test and Trace will contact you to check whether you are legally required to self-isolate. If you are not legally required to self-isolate, you will be provided with advice on testing, advised to take extra caution, and given guidance on preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Those who are clinically extremely vulnerable should be supported to minimise their contact with other people in the household during this period, regardless of whether others have symptoms or not.
You are not required to self-isolate if any of the following apply:
· You are fully vaccinated
· You are below the age of 18 years 6 months
· You have taken part in or are currently part of an approved COVID-19 vaccine trial
· You are not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons
Fully vaccinated means that you have been vaccinated with an MHRA approved COVID-19 vaccine in the UK, and at least 14 days have passed since you received the recommended doses of that vaccine (note this is currently under review and may be updated to include a booster dose in due course).
In line with national guidance for households with Covid-19 infection, household and other close contacts of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 should undertake daily LFD testing for a period of 7 days or for 10 days from their last contact with the positive case (whichever is first). This is recommended for all close contacts aged 5 and over who are not required to isolate. [If not already provided, LFD tests are available via community testing sites, local pharmacies or you can order online for home delivery).
You are required to self-isolate if you’re aged over 18 years and 6 months and if any of the following apply:
· You have received only one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine
· You have not received any dose of the COVID-19 vaccination
· You are not otherwise exempt
Household members who need to self-isolate as close contacts should not go to work, school or public areas, and exercise should be taken within the home. You should ask friends or family if you require help with buying groceries, other shopping or picking up medication, or walking a dog. Alternatively, you can order your shopping online and medication by phone or online. Please read the stay at home guidance which provides information on this.
Household members staying at home for 10 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community.
You could be fined if you do not self-isolate following a notification by NHS Test and Trace.
You may be entitled to a one-off payment of £500 through the NHS Test and Trace Support Payment scheme if you are required to stay at home and self-isolate, or you are the parent or guardian of a child who has been told to self-isolate.
How to reduce spread of COVID-19 as a household contact who is not required to self-isolate
Even if you are vaccinated, you can still be infected with COVID-19 and pass it on to others. If you are identified as a contact of someone with COVID-19 but you are not required to self-isolate, you can help protect others by following the guidance on how to stay safe and help prevent the spread.
To reduce the spread of COVID-19 in your community:
· Test daily using LFDs
· Limit close contact with other people outside your household, especially in enclosed spaces (when not in school)
· Wear a face covering for those aged 11 and over in crowded, enclosed or poorly ventilates spaces and when you are in close contact with other people
· Limit contact with anyone who is at higher risk of severe illness if infected with Covid-19
· Follow the guidance on how to stay safe and help prevent the spread - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
You should follow this advice for at least 10 days.
If you are a health or social care worker or student undertaking a work placement who has been identified as a household contact and are exempt from self-isolation, there is additional guidance available that you should follow to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19 in these settings.
If you develop symptoms at any time, even if these are mild, self-isolate immediately, arrange to have a COVID-19 PCR test and follow the guidance for people with COVID-19 symptoms.
For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.
How to stop coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading
There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with coronavirus (COVID-19):
· Get vaccinated – everyone aged 12 and over can book COVID-19 vaccination appointments now
· Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser regularly throughout the day
· Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
· Put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
· Meet people outside and avoid crowded areas
· Open doors and windows to let in fresh air if meeting people inside
· Wear a face covering if aged 11 and over when it's hard to stay away from other people – particularly indoors or in crowded places
· Participate in twice weekly LFD testing following national guidelines (recommended for 11 years and over). We encourage you to log your results here: https://www.gov.uk/log-test-site-covid19-results
Further Information
Further information is available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
03/01/22
January Updates
Daily testing has been introduced for close contacts of coronavirus cases
The following individuals who are identified as close contacts of someone with coronavirus should take an LFD test every day for 7 days instead of self-isolating – this is the same for all cases of coronavirus, not just the Omicron variant:
Fully vaccinated adults, i.e. people who have had two doses of an approved vaccine
All children and young people aged 5 to 18 years and 6 months, regardless of their vaccination status
People who are not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons
People taking part, or who have taken part, in an approved clinical trial for a COVID-19 vaccine
Individuals should report the results of their daily tests through the online reporting system and to their school.
If they test negative, they can continue to come to school; however, outside of school, they should limit close contact with people outside of their household.
If someone tests positive, they need to self-isolate immediately and order a PCR test to confirm the LFD test result.
If the PCR test is positive, they must self-isolate for 10 days.
If the PCR test is negative, that person no longer needs to self-isolate, but they need to complete their period of daily testing.
Unvaccinated individuals who are over the age of 18 years and 6 months are not covered by the daily testing policy and must self-isolate if they are a close contact of a positive coronavirus case.
Children under five years old do not need to take part in daily testing for close contacts and do not need to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact.
Further actions for schools may be advised by a local Incident Management Team investigating suspected or confirmed Omicron cases.
The self-isolation period for people with coronavirus has been cut from 10 to 7 days if they have a negative test.
[Updated] Since 22 December 2021, individuals who have tested positive for coronavirus have been able to end self-isolation after 7 days instead of 10 days if they have negative LFD test results on days 6 and 7. This applies to all people regardless of their age or vaccination status.
The two LFD tests need to be taken 24 hours apart and the first test should not be taken before the sixth day.
[Updated] People should only end their self-isolation period before 10 days if both tests are negative and they do not have a high temperature. People who end their self-isolation before 10 days are still advised to remain cautious, limiting contact with vulnerable people, not visiting crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, and working from home. In education settings, if the conditions for ending self-isolation early are met, an individual may return to their setting from day 8.
[Secondary Schools Only] Face covering advice has been reintroduced
The DfE is advising that staff, adult visitors and pupils in Year 7 and above should wear face coverings in communal areas and when moving around the premises inside, unless they are exempt.
[New] From 4 January, it is recommended that face coverings are worn in classrooms where pupils in Year 7 and above are being educated. The government has said this is only short-term advice and will be in place until 26 January when Plan B regulations are currently scheduled to expire, at which point the advice will be reviewed.
Face coverings should also be worn by pupils in Year 7 on dedicated school transport. It is also mandatory for face coverings to be worn by people aged 11 and over on public transport, unless they are otherwise exempt – fines will be given to people who fail to wear face coverings on public transport.
13/12/21
DFE Updates to Headteacher
Not Urgent - Update from the DFE to Headteachers regarding Covid-19 today, many of these details were shared yesterday and there is no expectation that you read this, but for your reference and transparency here is a copy of the letter I was sent. Any comments added by me are in square brackets [like this]
***
Daily testing for contacts of COVID-19
***
From Tuesday 14 December, a new national approach to daily testing for contacts of COVID-19 is being introduced (including until the end of this term). All adults who are fully vaccinated and children aged 5 to 18 years and 6 months, identified as a contact of someone with COVID-19 – whether Omicron or not – should take a lateral flow device (LFD) test every day for 7 days instead of self-isolating. Daily testing by close contacts will help to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Daily testing for contacts of COVID-19 will help protect education settings by reducing transmission and will also help keep pupils in face-to-face education.
Once notified by NHS Test and Trace as a close contact, all eligible staff, pupils and students should take an LFD each day for 7 days and report the results through the Online Reporting System and to their setting.
[This means using Arbor for Oakfield]
If they test negative, they can continue to attend their education setting. Outside of the education setting, they should continue to follow the advice set out in the Sunday 12 December press release. This approach should also be adopted over the winter break and on return in January.
If they test positive, they should self-isolate and order a PCR test to confirm the result. If the PCR is positive, they must self-isolate for 10 days. If the PCR test is negative, they no longer need to self-isolate but should continue to carry out the remainder of the daily tests, and only need to isolate if it is positive.
All staff and secondary aged pupils and students should have access to a box of 7 LFD tests from their education setting. If your setting requires additional test kits sooner than they would be available through the standard ordering process, or will run out of test kits imminently, you can contact [number removed] to request an emergency replenishment.
For primary aged children LFD test kits are available through the usual routes (community test sites, local pharmacies or online).
[This means we are not supposed to give LFD tests to families, though we may have an emergency batch if anyone is really struggling]
Children under five years old do not need to take part in daily testing for contacts of COVID-19 and do not need to isolate.
[This means almost all our children will be required to test following a notification]
Anyone over the age of 18 years and 6 months who is not vaccinated, must isolate in line with government guidelines if they are a close contact of a positive case.
[This does not affect our children]
For students with SEND who struggle to or are unable to self-swab daily for 7 days, settings should work with students and their families to agree an appropriate testing route, such as assisted swabbing. Information on further support measures will be provided.
[Please contact us if this applies to your child and we can contact the DFE for the measures suggested]
Finally, it is important to continue regular twice weekly, at-home testing for all education and childcare workforce and all students of secondary age and above.
[Staff and volunteers continue to do this]
***
Update on COVID-19 vaccinations
***
The new Omicron COVID-19 variant is spreading fast. Anyone who is unvaccinated or who hasn’t had their booster is at even greater risk from COVID-19 and more serious illness. Vaccines are the best way we can protect ourselves and help keep children and young people in face-to-face education.
People aged 18 years and over, and those aged 16 years and over who are at risk (including health and social care workers) will be offered a booster dose of coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine. Please do encourage those in your settings to take up the booster dose.
You can pre-book your booster dose online if it’s been 2 months (61 days) since you had your 2nd dose and you are:
-aged 30 and over
-aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts you -at high risk from COVID-19
-a frontline health or social care worker
-You will be offered appointment dates from 3 months after the date of your 2nd dose.
16 and 17 year olds can get two doses of the COVID vaccine. They can book an appointment through the national booking service and walk in centres are available.
The Health and Social Care Secretary announced on Monday 29 November that young people aged 12 to 15 in England will be offered a second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, following advice from JCVI. Parents of children aged 12-15 that have not yet had their first vaccine can book their child’s first vaccination slot over the winter break via the national booking system.
We ask schools, where possible, to direct parents to the out-of-school route as they break up for the winter holidays. In some cases, parents will be able to get their booster at the same time as their child getting their first vaccine.
[Please see here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/ ]
12/12/21
Important COVID Update from the Government
Key Points:
✅From Tuesday - contacts of a covid-19 case need to take a lateral flow test every day for 7 days
✅If the lateral flow comes back ✅POSITIVE✅, PCR required
✅If the lateral flow comes back ❌NEGATIVE❌, continue to test for the remainder of the 7 days
✅Do not send children to school if they have been with a positive case, get them a lateral flow test.
✅LOG ALL PCR TESTS ON ARBOR, regardless of the outcome.
✅LOG ALL LFD TESTS ON ARBOR, if you are an identified contact - this helps us know that your child does not need to isolate or be sent home.
👉Order Rapid Test Kits Here:
https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests
👉You can read more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/daily-rapid-testing-for-covid-19-contacts-launches-this-week
***
FULL GUIDANCE:
🚨From Tuesday 14 December, people who ARE fully vaccinated and identified as a contact of someone with COVID-19 – 👉WHETHER OMICRON OR NOT👈 – SHOULD take an NHS rapid lateral flow test EVERY DAY for 7 days to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
DAILY TESTING APPLIES TO:
✅fully vaccinated adults – people who have had 2 jabs
✅all children aged 5 to 18 years and 6 months, regardless of their vaccination status
✅people who can prove they are unable to be vaccinated for clinical reasons
✅people taking part, or have taken part, in an approved clinical trial for a COVID-19 vaccine
✅Under 5s are exempt from self-isolation and do not need to take part in daily rapid lateral flow testing.
❌Unvaccinated adults must continue to self-isolate for 10 days if they are a contact of someone with COVID, and anyone who tests positive or develops symptoms will need to self-isolate.
👉From Tuesday:
People will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace by phone, email or text or they will receive a notification from the NHS COVID-19 app to tell them they are a contact of someone who tested positive and what action they need to take.
🚌Although the government has made this apply from Tuesday, it would very unwise for anyone who has knowingly been in contact with a positive case to attend school tomorrow without having done a lateral flow test to confirm they are negative. Please contact the office if this applies to your child.
***
As now, ANYONE whose rapid test comes back positive or who develops COVID-19 symptoms should self-isolate and take a confirmatory PCR test to verify the result.
If the PCR result comes back positive, contacts must self-isolate for 10 days from the day they took the positive rapid test or developed symptoms. They do not need to continue taking rapid tests during that 10 day isolation period.
If the PCR result comes back negative, contacts can leave self-isolation but should continue to take rapid tests for the remainder of the 7 days.
Anyone identified as a contact with a negative rapid lateral flow result is strongly advised to limit close contact with other people outside their household, especially in crowded or enclosed spaces and with anyone who is more vulnerable. They should also follow government guidance on wearing a face covering and working from home where possible.
***
Key Questions
❓My child has symptoms of covid, or a cough that I think is just a winter cough, what do I do?
-Get a PCR - DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILDREN TO SCHOOL
❓I have been in contact with a covid-19 case, or someone in my household is positive, what do I do?
-Take a lateral flow test every day for 7 days, this only starts on Tuesday but it would be unwise to send children in tomorrow without one.
❓I don't have a lateral flow test, where can I get one?
- https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests
❓My child is ill and cannot attend school, what do I do?
- Let the office know via phone or email please.
❓Lateral flow? LFT? LFD? PCR - I'm confused, can you help?
- https://www.hullccg.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/jpg.png
❓My child has been in contact with someone positive but I've not been contacted by track and trace, what do I do?
- Until more guidance is available, we would advise you to be safe and conduct lateral flow tests
06/12/21
Covid Update Letter
Important Updates regarding upcoming events.
SHORT LETTER:
Events are still happening, but we are sadly not able to invite families into school over the next two weeks. There have been some changes to dates and times including non-uniform days and parties, please see the bottom of this post for the details.
FULL LETTER:
Dear Families,
I am writing to provide some important updates in response to guidance sent to schools from Hampshire’s health team specifically in response to Omicron and upcoming community events and activities.
As you are aware, we take pride in our unique and open partnerships with parents - we believe that when we work together we are stronger, we understand the impact that strong relationships have and that’s why we try to involve families in school life as much as possible, even when there are challenges to overcome.
We are pleased to have returned clubs, trips and visits to the curriculum in addition to our celebration assemblies and larger events such as sports day.
We know that Christmas is a special time of year for our community, it may be a religious holiday for some, a family one for others or simply a well earned break in the school calendar.
In school we use the final week of the term to provide a wide range of activities for education and for fun, staying true to our vision of “Live, Love, Laugh, Learn.” We enjoy opening up the school to families to embrace the traditions (old and new) and using the chance to reflect on the year we have had, whilst looking ahead at what is to come. Events such as the school Nativity and Christingle are a personal highlight in my work calendar and something I know the staff look forward to each year too.
Last year was certainly different, and Miss Bray did a fantastic job of leading the school through a difficult time whilst some colleagues and I were out of action due to having COVID-19. We looked forward to having a year of “normality” but with recent events, it is with disappointment that I tell you that we have had to make change to the planned events over the next two weeks.
Our only priority above providing a fantastic place to learn, is of course, a safe place to be. The entire team from GMAT down, works really hard behind the scenes to review guidance and respond to changes so that we can adapt our policies and procedures, keeping everyone as safe as we can.
We know that many of you will have your own opinions on matters related to coronavirus, some of them will be shared views amongst the community and some may be conflicting. When running a school it is important not only to think about the children in it, but also the other key stakeholders such as the families we work with and our team who make it all possible. Doing this means we have to weigh up the risks that are presented to us, the likelihood that they will occur, and the impact that they could have on all of the subsequent matters we address on a day-to-day basis.
The following changes have been made so that we can reduce the potential transmission of Covid within our school, therefore protecting our families and staff during the next two weeks. Whilst some of the restrictions may seem more robust than in society, they are only there to provide a layer of protection and are not intended to cause inconvenience.
Our principles were to:
1. Reduce transmission between families as much as possible.
2. Reduce the risk of isolating on Christmas Day as much as possible
3. Provide our children with all the exciting activities planned so that they are not disadvantaged.
This means that we have taken the following steps in response.
1. We want to reduce the risk of transmission as much as possible so have decided that families will not be able to attend any events in school over the next two weeks. For us to be able to comply with the guidance sent and proceed with inviting everyone to the events, we would have had to seek copies of negative lateral flow results, copies of PCR tests, proof of vaccination statuses and other documentation for each persons attending, something we would simply not be able to do in time.
2. We have moved all of our larger whole school communal events that usually take place in the last week of school to the first two days of the last week so that if anyone does contract Covid and is to forced isolate, their isolation period should end before Christmas Day. Events taking place after this day are class based only so the impact is less likely to be widespread should the worst happen.
3. Thirdly, and arguably most importantly, we do not want children to miss out on any of the fantastic experiences planned, or feel that they weren’t able to do something that they had set the heart on. That is why we are proceeding with the events we have planned, though they are in a slightly different order than first advertised.
We feel that we have managed to strike a balance between practical life and school, safety and community spirit.
The following itemised changes have been made:
1. Christmas Dinner - has been moved from the Thursday to the Tuesday. You do not need to do anything in response to this, we have swapped the menu for the two days over so there is no impact on the food service for the week. This event will be reduced from whole school, to key stage only.
2. Nativity - will be at school and filmed for parents meaning no in-person performances will take place other than the dress rehearsal to the rest of the school.
3. Christingle service - will be at school and photographs will be taken. Children will still take part as planned and we will make sure they enjoy their part together. As this is a whole school event it will take place in the afternoon on the Tuesday following on from the Christmas dinner.
4. Class Parties will take place on the Friday morning, children can come to school in non-uniform for the morning and be collected at 12pm as previously planned.
5. Film will take place on different days, with different films this means there is not a PJ day for children this year.
A brief overview of key dates is below, these will be added to Dojo to reflect the changes made.
Thank you for your continued understanding in these difficult times. We are all members of the community too, have our own families and want to be able to enjoy the Christmas period without isolating. As a reminder, staff take tests twice weekly (including on staff meeting day when we are all together) and respond to symptoms by taking a PCR test. Please can you continue to play your part by keeping children with symptoms out of school, taking them for a PCR and uploading the results on Arbor.
The office team have recently received the brunt of some disgruntled families who feel, for whatever reason, that the guidance is personal. This is not the case. They are simply doing their job, please treat them with respect, we all feel the frustration but we are on your side and want the children in school as much as you do, just not when they have symptoms.
Thursday, 9 December
Express Afternoon - Going ahead for the children, parents will receive photographs and videos.
Monday, 13 December - Uniform
Key Stage 2 Film - AM
Nativity Filmed - PM
Choir @ Romsey Abbey - TBC, we are waiting on a decision from the other participating schools, though I am more certain than not that it will not go ahead, please wait to hear and for confirmation from Miss Stock.
Tuesday, 14 December - Wear Christmas / Winter Jumpers
Key Stage 1 Film - AM
Christmas Dinner - EYFS/KS1
Christmas Dinner - KS2
Make Christingles - PM
Christingle Service - PM
Wednesday, 15 December - Uniform
Film - EYFS
OPTFA Christmas Faye - Collect children from 2:30pm, as this is outdoors it will go ahead as planned
Thursday, 16 December - Uniform
NSPCC Assembly (Staying Safe)
Habits of Mind Morning (in classes)
Santa Live Read - Year R, 1 and 2 AM
Friday, 17 December - Party Clothes
Parties and Games in class, please do not send food in.
School Closes at 12pm
Safety Procedures
Risk Assessment
Catchup Premium
Covid Catchup
In July, the Government announced that children in England would benefit from a £1 billion Covid “catch-up” package to tackle the impact of lost teaching time during the pandemic. While some £350 million of this has been set aside for a National Tutoring Programme to give access to high-quality tuition for the most disadvantaged young people, the remainder is allocated per pupil for headteachers to decide how it is spent, based upon their assessment of need.
This one-off grant is available for all state-funded mainstream and special schools, and alternative provision. Allocations are calculated on a per pupil basis, providing each mainstream school with a total of £80 for each pupil from reception to Year 11. Special, alternative provision and hospital schools will be provided with £240 for each place for the 2020 to 2021 academic year.
This Page Is For Reference Only
The School Is Now Operating Normally
What is Coronavirus?
Welcome Back Specifics
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are school timings different?
Please help us by not arriving earlier than the start times above, excess people on site will mean that we have to increase the gap between bubbles starting school, this could mean a wait time of 20+ minutes between bubbles which, for everyone’s convenience, we would like to avoid.
Our official school registration time is 09:00 and the school day ends at – 15:15, we usually open the gate early to allow families to enter school in small groups and children some time to settle in class. Traditionally we have allowed 15 minutes before the start of the school day for children to do this.
We have had to adjust the timings slightly to stagger the collection and drop-off of children to prevent unnecessary large mixing between adults and children.
We have slightly reduced the hours Year R children are in school as staff need additional time to clean (using Milton fluid) equipment at the end of the day.
As Bubble C will have slightly less time in school than usual, we will adjust lunchtimes accordingly as children in Years 4 – 6 generally eat much faster than in the other years. This means we can reduce the time gap between collection of children in bubble A and bubble C which has been a problem for some parents. The children have been used to reduced time at lunch since we have been at school during the lockdown. We are aiming for 45 minutes rather than 30 minutes as we know how important social times are for development.
What will happen if we are late to school?
The gates are open between 08:45 and 09:00. We would rather you be late but within these times than be late and not attempt to come to school.
Parents who are late bringing their children to school and find the gates locked at 09:00 will not be allowed to bring their children on-site and will be asked to take children home. This absence will not be authorised unless it is an exceptional circumstance.
On any given day we have an average of 13 children late to school, if these 13 children are all from different bubbles, arrive at varying times, they all require staff to take them to their classrooms, this also impacts on children from different bubbles mixing etc…
We are not allowing children to mix to minimise any potential spread therefore children will not be allowed through the office door.
We all know that sometimes there are things that are unavoidable and make us late, if there is a situation in which many children may be late to school (for example an accident) please call us and we will do what we can to keep gates open.
I am worried about September, does my child have to return to school?
Yes, the guidance is clear that all children should be back in school
We will reinstate the attendance policy including the section related to fixed penalty notices
Children who are at home for confirmed or suspected cases will be able to access remote learning on class-dojo or through a workbook provided by the school.
We will share the issued guidance regarding attending from the DFE when we have it.
What does my child need to wear?
Uniform is compulsory for all children in September, an updated guide has been published and shared.
Please ensure you pay particular attention to P.E. kit requirements. Our school colours are grey and burgundy.
Will my child still be able to come to school in P.E. kit?
Yes, they should come to school in their P.E. kits, teachers will share P.E. days with you in September.
What about O.W.L. / Forest School?
Children should bring this clothing to school and will change in the afternoon ready for O.W.L. we are hoping to relocate welly racks ready for September but will update you when we return to school.
Can you help with uniform costs?
If you are entitled to Free School Meals, we have allocated up to £50 per child to support with the costs from some suppliers. Please speak with Miss Poole or Mrs Spencer ASAP to arrange this.
What are you doing to prioritise Health & Safety?
Anyone who has symptoms must remain at home, this includes staff, children, governors, parents and visitors.
Handwashing routines will remain in place for all children alongside gel where necessary
Current procedures for using and disposing of tissues will remain the same
We will increase the cleaning at Oakfield and have a cleaner on-site during teaching time to clean surfaces and materials, including high-touch points, for at least an additional 3 hours per day.
Children will be in ‘bubbles’ that do not cross and staff contact between ‘bubbles’ will be limited
We will engage with the NHS Test and Trace programme as required.
We will review key policies listed to ensure they are fit-for-purpose and reflective of current guidance and expectations.
Children will be able to move in their ‘bubble’ (for example during Read Write Inc.) but not between them.
Staff will avoid close face-to-face contact and minimise time spent within one metre of anyone.
Children will continue to receive support as required.
Shared spaces where staff and children congregate (including the KS2 lockers) will be reorganised so that children have minimal contact outside of their bubbles.
Each member of staff will have their own set of equipment for teaching
Each child will have their own set of named equipment to use
Shared equipment, including IT-based equipment, will be cleaned before and after use as above.
What about PPE? Does my child need a mask?
Children should not wear PPE in school
We will not wear PPE unless it is required when administering first aid or as part of a job role (for example, Mr Clark will wear a mask if drilling).
Children will be encouraged not to touch staff or each other, this is likely to be effective in Year 2+ as children in Year R and Year 1 are likely not to fully be able to comply with this.
Can I come to school to meet staff or drop something off?
The guidance from the Department for Education is that Schools should limit the external visitors to the school during school hours. Parents should come into school buildings only when strictly necessary and by appointment only. This policy will continue into the next academic year. Given this, we have decided that all appointments regarding children, unless necessary and agreed by the Headteacher will take place via Dojo, telephone or on-line.
Parents will be unable to drop off forgotten items to children - lunches, books etc cannot be passed on. We will be unable to pass on messages to children during the day other than via email to teachers unless in an absolute emergency.
We ask that you drop pupils outside of the school grounds wherever possible and walk independently if they are old enough to walk alone or encourage them to cycle or walk if feasible. Children may arrive together as sibling groups but should not arrive together on-site in large mixed groups nor will they be allowed to depart in this way.
I’ve heard that schools need to help with Track and Trace – what do I do?
If you or your child have symptoms, book a test
Tests can be booked online https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-and-tracing/
Tests can be ordered by telephone via NHS 119.
Parents and staff must inform the school immediately by phone of test results.
If the test is negative, they feel well and no longer have symptoms, they can stop self-isolating.
We will not request evidence of a negative result or other medical evidence before welcoming pupils back.
If the test is positive, the individual should follow the government’s stay at home guidance https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance and self-isolate for the recommended period of time.
Can you help with any mental health or anxiety my child may have?
We will ensure there is an opportunity for those affected to come to school before a full reopening on an individual basis to help alleviate any worries.
We will continue to ensure PSHE and/or assemblies focus on well-being and reducing anxiety
Specialist support services will be in demand but we will ensure we have access to resources and are prepared to support children as required.
We will address any parental concerns or questions openly before September, this may be through a video call/class Dojo or similar.
We will ensure that staff include regular opportunities for children to talk about how they are feeling and understand and develop our EMPATHY Habit of Mind.
Miss Poole will continue to provide support to staff and pupils through her groups and resources.
What will happen if my child’s teacher or assistant teacher is ill?
We will try to cover internally through staff in the same bubble
We will then try to cover from within the school
We will then ask GMAT to support with cover supervisors from Romsey
We will then look to source supply staff if necessary
What are you doing to support staff workload?
As all staff have been at school during the period of ‘closure’ and again during this half-term, we are grateful to them for their continued support and are taking steps to reduce unnecessary workload.
We will continue to adhere to the guidance issued and support all staff as appropriate.
We will be as flexible as possible and take staff well-being seriously.
During staff PPA (planning, preparation and assessment) time (approximately 10% of their teaching commitment) we will encourage staff to work remotely where possible.
Do you have plans for learning outdoors/trips/visits/residentials?
We have not proceeded with plans for a residential visit to date, we will look at other suitable options for the summer term; we understand many people have been negatively impacted financially, so will take this into account when decision making.
Trips and visits locally will be planned for after October half-term, we still aim to offer great value for money and stick to at least three ‘enrichment’ opportunities throughout the year.
We will continue to complete risk assessments, have them checked by a trained Educational Visits Coordinator and Headteacher before conducting any planned trips.
We will continue to offer O.W.L. in our school grounds
We will encourage staff to plan and deliver learning outside the classroom where possible
My child has missed learning, how will you help them to ‘catch up’ without adding pressure or stress?
We have looked in detail at any missed learning from the Summer Term and proceeded to change the curriculum so that it allows teachers to reteach/review/recover any learning gaps.
More detailed information is available here
How have you adapted the curriculum over next year to account for the differences in attainment between children and lost learning from the previous summer term?
Please see this page
What formal assessments will take place next year and be sent to the DFE?
Year 1 – Phonics Screening
Year 2 - Phonics Screening - this is not confirmed by the DFE but is highly likely
Year 2 – SATs
Year 4 – Online Multiplication Check (up to 12x12)
Year 6 – SATs
The above all take place in the summer term
Will Music Lessons with Mr Vaughn or Mrs Angel still take place?
Yes, these will be in a larger space than before as we have moved the music room to allow for increased spacing.
We will be in touch soon to provide the finer details
Will children be able to see their friends from other classes at break time?
Children within the same bubble will see and mix at break/lunch/assembly times.
We will look at how break and lunchtime activities can be more structured within bubbles to help rebuild friendship through games and sports as some children may need help
Will children still be able to go swimming?
We have not included swimming as part of our initial curriculum offer this year, with so many decisions and actions needing to be taken, we have had to temporarily remove this from the curriculum. We will still engage with water safety learning in class.
We will continue to ensure all children have regular opportunities for exercise and P.E.
Will Ofsted visit?
We may receive a visit from Ofsted as part of their sampling system as we meet their criteria for a school previously ‘at risk’ at the previous inspection.
We would welcome such a visit but are not preparing anything special for their visit, we believe that if we are doing things right for the children, they will be right for Ofsted.
This visit (if we receive one) will not be a full inspection but will be a visit to look at how we are coping during the situation. More information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ofsted-to-visit-when-schools-and-colleges-return-in-the-autumn
What will the lunch menu be?
HC3S will continue to provide our lunch service in September 2020.
I have asked that food be presented in takeaway boxes (as they currently are) for at least the first few weeks, we are expecting there to be a hot option (jacket potato) added to the menu to begin with.
Children in Year R, Year 1 and Year 2 will be entitled to free meals as usual.
Can I still pay in cash?
No
Children in Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 have the option to purchase meals which can be paid for using Arbor, this is our preferred payment method as it reduces contact with money.
What will happen if my child forgets their lunch?
We will call you to inform you that your child will be provided with a school lunch. This will be added to your school account and is payable as you are not able to bring in lunch items to school.
Will I still get vouchers over the summer period for meals if my child receives free school meals?
Yes, Mrs Spencer is continuing to administer these
You will receive £90 to cover the entire 6 weeks in one go.
We are not able to help you if your voucher is lost, undelivered or unredeemable, our system only authorises the vouchers to be sent. Please contact Edenred for more information