On Wednesday (7th Oct) and Thursday (8th Oct) last week I reported to you that we had had two confirmed Covid-19 cases on each day. Since then we have had a further confirmed case on Thursday evening and one on Sunday morning. Both of these were year 13 students who were already self-isolating. I will update you at the end of each day if we have a confirmed case within school.  When we do have a confirmed case, I speak to the Department for Education or Public Health England to discuss each cases circumstance.  On Friday I spoke to Public Health England at length reviewing the week and the actions that we had taken; they were in agreement that we had taken the correct steps at each stage. 

As a school we work swiftly with the confirmed case to identify close contacts. This may be people in classes, on the bus or within social groups. These students and/or staff then need to self-isolate for 14 days from their last time of contact. This means that they must stay at home for the the 14 day period. If they do develop any Covid-19 symptoms during that time then they should get tested and, if positive, isolate for 10 days from the onset of symptoms. 

If your child has symptoms, or you are concerned enough to arrange a test, then your child must not attend school until they receive the result of the test. If it is negative, and they are well enough, then they can return to school. If your child has already been asked to self-isolate for 14 days, then they must continue to self-isolate for the 14 days even if they have received a negative test. This is because the virus may not be present until later in that 14-day period.

If you are in any doubt then please do not send your child to school and ring us for confirmation of what you should do. 

Many thanks

Mr Chaloner