Having reviewed the school's COVID policies and procedures in light of updated Government guidelines published in April, we are pleased to note that the requirement for twice-weekly testing has now been removed. Happily, this will allow us to re-establish some of the social events that our pupils and families enjoy so much.

As well as the relaxation of testing requirements, please note the following procedural changes that have been implemented in school in line with these amended Government guidelines;

Isolation Guidance for Children and Young People with Symptoms

• Children and young people with mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, or slight cough, who are otherwise well, can now continue to attend school.

• Children and young people who are unwell and have a high temperature should stay at home and avoid contact with other people, where they can.

Testing and Responding to Confirmed Cases of COVID

• Asymptomatic testing is no longer expected in schools.
• While the legal requirement to self-isolate has been removed, if your child or young person has a high temperature, feels unwell or demonstrates any other COVID symptoms and has a positive test result, the advice is for the child or young person to self-isolate for 3 days. This will help to prevent the spread and minimise infection across the community which may lead to high rates of absence.  If you are unsure, please contact our Education Healthcare Lead Sarah Whelan at sarah.whelan@pieldheathschool.org.uk  or on the main school number.
• PCR tests are no longer available free of charge. A link to private providers can be found on: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/list-of-private-providers-of-coronavirus-testing/list-of-private-providers-of-coronavirus-testing

Actions to Reduce the Spread of Respiratory Infections, Including COVID-19

 Vaccination

• Vaccinations are effective at preventing serious illness from COVID-19. There is guidance available on the link  vaccines that are available through the NHS.  If you require advice, please contact the school.  All school staff are encouraged to have vaccinations. Students are encouraged to keep their own belongings, wash their hands regularly and supported to “Catch it, Bin it Kill it” if they have runny noses or sneeze.

Ventilation

• Classrooms are kept well ventilated to reduce the concentration of respiratory particles, lowering the risk of airborne transmission of respiratory viruses including COVID 19.

Maintain a clean workplace

• Workspaces are kept clean in order to reduce the risk of infection. Staff are supported to maintain a clean working area with anti-bacterial wipes provided and use of hand sanitiser encouraged.
• Enhanced cleaning measures remain in place throughout the school.

Reintroduction of Increased Measures

As you are aware, the COVID landscape is ever-changing, and Government guidance does state that there may be occasions when it becomes necessary to reintroduce increased measures in specific areas as advised by local public health authorities. We will of course keep you updated should such a situation arise.

If your child does develop symptoms, you can seek advice from NHS 111 at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/ or by phoning 111.

 

Further Information

Further information is available at

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Please also see our Living with COVID information sheet below.

During this time of pandemic, the school has endeavoured to take every possible precaution and assessed the risk to ensure a safe environment for the whole school community. Further details as to how we are doing this can be found in the information below.

Coronavirus Guidance for Special schools and other specialist settings

Living with COVID - Information for Staff and Visitors

School Coronavirus Risk Assessment

Infection Control Policy

We ask that visits to the school are not made unless a prior appointment has been arranged with a member of staff.

All visitors will be asked to sanitise their hands on arrival at reception and the wearing of face masks is encouraged.

Visitors will be required to complete a Health Declaration Form on the day of their visit. A copy can be found here and can be completed prior to arrival but must be on the day of the appointment.

A Little Guide for Parents on Home Schooling during Lockdowns

Self-Isolating Social Story

14 Day Self-Isolation Calendar

Washing hands poster

Version 1 What is Coronavirus – social story

Version 2 What is Coronavirus – Social Story

Version 3 What is Coronavirus – Social Story

Version 4 Story about Coronavirus

Managing Anxiety in Children and Young People on the Autism Spectrum

The Department for Education Coronavirus Helpline is available to answer questions about COVID-19 relating to education and children’s social care. Staff, parents and young people can contact this helpline as follows:

• Phone: 0800 046 8687
• Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday)