COVID-19 Information

As part of the in-depth planning process, we have carried out comprehensive risk assessments in line with Government guidance. Those risk assessments and the procedures related to them will be reviewed regularly in line with any new guidance. I have outlined below the key areas.

I would like to thank you for your continued support throughout this unusual and challenging public health crisis. As always if, you have any questions or queries please do get in touch. I will of course write to you again, if the plans change as a result of any additional government/ local guidance or should there be a change in circumstances.

COVID-19 Operational Risk Assessment

Children and young people aged 18 and under can get coronavirus (COVID-19), but it's usually a mild illness and most get better in a few days.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can include:

  • a high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
  • a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
  • a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
  • shortness of breath
  • feeling tired or exhausted
  • an aching body
  • a headache
  • a sore throat
  • a blocked or runny nose
  • loss of appetite
  • diarrhoea
  • feeling sick or being sick

The symptoms are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu.

 

What to do if your child has symptoms

Your child should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if they have symptoms of COVID-19 and they either:

  • have a high temperature
  • do not feel well enough to go to school, college or childcare, or do their normal activities

They can go back to school, college or childcare when they feel better or do not have a high temperature.

If your child has mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat or mild cough, and they feel well enough, they can go to school, college or childcare.

Encourage your child to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough or sneeze, and to wash their hands after using or throwing away tissues.

Most children who are unwell will recover in a few days with rest and plenty of fluids.

Further guidance can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/people-with-symptoms-of-a-respiratory-infection-including-covid-19

 

Pupil Home Testing

As the government moves into the next steps of 'living with COVID-19', The DfE have said that regular asymptomatic testing is no longer recommended in any education setting. Therefore, LFD tests will no longer be provided for students within the academy.  Further guidance will be sent out by the DfE, and will be shared with you all once received.

For support and advice on the home testing process please see the links below

Youtube video explaining the home testing process

Government’s step-by step guide page for Home Test kits