Living with COVID - School Update

COVID - 19 Update

Free and routine COVID-19 testing in schools and across wider society ended on the 1st April. As a school we are no longer required to record registers of cases or test results for staff or pupils.

From the DFE, "Following expert advice, we now know that Covid presents a low risk of serious illness to most children and young people, and most of those who are fully vaccinated. Due to high immunity in society, a greater understanding of the virus and improved access to treatments, we can now focus on how we live with COVID-19. This means we don’t expect pupils or staff in education settings to routinely test themselves for COVID-19".

However, all pupils and staff should follow the NHS advice below.

Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you:

Have any symptoms of COVID-19, and have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to go to work or do your normal activities .
Have tested positive for COVID-19 – this means it's very likely you have the virus.

Should pupils/staff still go to school/work if they test positive for Covid?

No. From 1 April, anyone with a positive COVID-19 test result will be advised to try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for five days, which is when they are most infectious. For children and young people aged 18 and under, the advice is three days.


Will the school still be taking measures to prevent Covid?

Our school still has in place baseline infection prevention and control measures that will help to manage the spread of infection:

Ensuring all eligible groups are enabled and supported to take up the offer of national vaccination programmes including COVID-19 and flu.
Ensuring occupied spaces are well-ventilated and let fresh air in.
Reinforcing good hygiene practices such as hand washing and cleaning.


Can pupils still get a Covid-19 vaccine?

From 1st April the in-school COVID-19 vaccination programme will come to an end. However, 12 to 15 year olds will still be able to access the vaccine outside of schools at a vaccination centre, pharmacy or walk-in centre. Parents can book a Covid-19 vaccination appointment online or by speaking to their GP or calling 119. Alternatively, they can find a walk-in Covid-19 vaccination site.

From April, healthy 5-11 year olds will also be offered the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccinations will take place outside of schools in vaccination centres, pharmacies, GPs and walk-in centres. Parents of 5-11 year olds will receive a letter from the NHS with further information. Online bookings for 5-11 year olds will open in April.