COVID Information
Risk assessment
We have reviewed our risk assessment to reflect the latest government guidance and operating arrangements for the Spring term. These plans will be under continual review and if changes are needed in order to keep the children and staff as safe as possible, we will communicate with all parents promptly.
SAFEGUARDING DURING COVID-19
This appendix to the school policy, issued by WCC based on additional DfE guidance, addresses how the school will apply the safeguarding and child protection policy in order to safeguard all pupils/students during COVID-19. It applies both to the minority of children who are attending school and the majority who will be staying at home pending further government advice.
Safeguarding Policy COVID Appendix
operational arrangements - Spring 2022
We have been able to resume some normality this term but we will be continuing to follow good practise to minimise the risk of infection as children return to school and some restrictions will remain in place.
Our school COVID risk assessment is under review for re-issue to reflect these latest arrangements and additionally we will have in place an Outbreak Management Plan should it be necessary.
All education settings are expected to:
- Promote full vaccination of all staff, alongside promoting vaccination among appropriate pupils and parents.
- Ensure good hygiene for everyone.
- Maintain appropriate cleaning regimes.
- Keep occupied spaces well ventilated.
- Follow public health advice on testing, self-isolation and managing confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Face Coverings
The government has removed the requirement to wear face coverings in law but visitors into school may choose to wear a face covering.
Parental Contact / PTA Events
We will continue to limit parents coming onto the school site other than to drop off and pick up their children. Where a meeting is required this will be done via phone or online if possible.
If it is necessary to bring parents onto site (e.g. for an parent presentation) this will be takes place outside the normal school day and face coverings will be worn.
Assemblies
Full school assemblies to resume from the Spring Term. straight away.
Class seating arrangements
In line with national guidance class seating arrangements will return to normal. Class tables will be grouped rather than in lines. For assemblies and lunches classes will be grouped to minimise risk of transmission.
Testing
There is no requirement for school internal and external staff to take Lateral Flow Tests twice weekly.
Cases of Infection
When an individual develops COVID-19 symptoms or has a positive test, pupils, staff and other adults should follow public health advice on when to self-isolate and what to do. They should not come into school if they have symptoms, have had a positive test result or other reasons requiring them to stay at home due to the risk of them passing on COVID-19 (for example, they are required to quarantine).
Latest Government Guidance:
It is not recommended that children and young people are tested for COVID-19 unless directed to by a health professional.
If a child or young person has a positive COVIS-19 test result they should try to stay home and avoid contact with other people for 3 days after the the day they took the test, if they can. After 3 days, if the feel well and do not have a high temperature, the risk of passing the infection on to others is much lower. This is because children and young people tend to be infection to other people for less time than adults.
Children and young people who usually go to school, college or childcare and who live with someone who has a positive test result should continue to attend as normal.
Should there be an outbreak of infection we will take advice on the necessary course of action from the DfE that may require us to step up measures as a last resort.
