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Should any families be impacted by Covid over this term or experience other similar problems please email:

covid@saintedmunds.org.uk

School Covid Testing Information & Consent Forms

Statement from the Headteacher (July 2021)

September 2021 Start of Term Arrangements

I am writing to update you following new Covid-19 guidelines produced from the DfE for school operations next year.

The key points are as follows:

• No longer necessary to use ‘bubbles’. (This includes Summer School/all activities).
• No requirement to avoid mixing of year groups or separate breaks.
• Masks are no longer required for pupils, staff and visitors in any areas of the school.
• A risk assessment is still required. This should plan for re-integration of bubbles/masks if directed by Public Health England (PHE).
• The school is no longer responsible for track and trace.
• Trips and educational visits are allowed.
• ALL STUDENTS TEST TWICE UPON RETURN.
• Only students tested positive are required to isolate.
• Close contacts must test but do not isolate unless positive.
• Remote education should be provided for those isolating.
• Ofsted to resume inspections. All schools to be inspected over the next 3-5 years.
• No published data for exams – limited to a few key statistics.
• Exams 2021/22 will go ahead.

The key control measures for next year are:

1. Hand hygiene regimes should continue. Hence, we will continue with hand gel/washing routines.
2. Maintain appropriate cleaning. This should be twice per day for high contact surfaces/areas.
3. Ventilation. Increase where possible – whilst maintaining a comfortable temperature.
4. PHE will continue to advise schools. Staff/students should still not attend school with symptoms. PCR test should be taken. ALL students tested twice upon return (as post-Christmas). ALL staff should test prior to return.

Implications

As a result of this we will now need to alter slightly the start of term in order to test all students.

Arrangements for start of term are as follows:

Monday 30^th August: Bank Holiday (School closed)

Tuesday 31^st August: School Holiday (School closed)

Wednesday 1^st September: Inset day (School closed)

Thursday 2^nd September: Year 7 Only (Transition Day)

Friday 3^rd September: Year 7 (0825 start) and Year 11 (0830 start)

Monday 6^th September: Years 7, 8, 9 (0825 start) and Year 11 (0950 start) NOT YEAR 10

Tuesday 7^th September: ALL Years (0825 start).

Testing Plan

Tuesday/Wednesday – all staff tested.

Ask Year 11 to home test on Wednesday 1^st September.

Wednesday 1^st – brief staff.

Thursday 2^nd - Test Year 7 in school.

Friday 3^rd - Test Year 11 in school.

Friday 3^rd: Recommend Year 8 & 9 home test.

Sunday: Year 10s and all staff to test at home.

Monday 6^th – Test Year 8 & 9 in school.

Tuesday 7^th – Test Year 10 and 7 in school.

Wednesday 8^th – Test Year 11 in school.

Thursday 9^th – Test Year 8 & 9 in school.

Friday 10^th – Test Year 10 in school.

Sunday 12^th – All staff and students to test at home.

A summary of this is as follows:

For home testing students should use the previously allocated testing kits or collect these free of charge from local pharmacies. We will be using the previous consent forms completed from the previous testing sessions. Should you not wish your child to be tested please email covid@saintedmunds.org.uk stating the name of the student and date of birth.

Purchasing of Food Thursday 2^nd September – Tuesday 7^th September

Over the summer the school will be upgrading our cashless catering machines which is great news, however, this will require all students to be re-enrolled onto the system. Whilst this is being undertaken on Thursday 2^nd September to Tuesday 7^th September students will be required to bring in cash to pay for any break/lunch food or bring in a packed lunch. Provision will be provided for those students on Free School Meals. From Wednesday 8^th September the cashless system should be back up and running.

May I thank you for the continued support that you give your child and St Edmund’s.  The school will continue to follow the government guidance in regard to Covid in regard to the wearing of masks, sanitisation and social distancing measures. I will of course write with an update if there is any considerable change over the summer which may impact our way of working when the school re-opens in September.  

Should any student require any mental health support over the summer then please email/contact Miss Yung Hok on 023 9282 3766 who will have some availability during the 9^th – 20^th August.

Finally, I wish all of our extended family a bright and joyful summer holiday.

“Having faith does not mean having no difficulties but having the strength to face them, knowing we are not alone.” Pope Francis.

Mr S Graham

Headteacher

Click here to view the full statement

Statement from the Headteacher (15th April 2021)

RE: Returning for the Summer Term

It was great that students returned last half-term and were able to resume learning in school.  The vast majority of our children settled back in quickly and adapted well to wearing masks in class and the continued Covid-19 hygiene expectations.  

As we look towards the final term of the year we must strive to return to the high standards/expectations/opportunities for our children. The minority of students that did struggle with social interactions and the need to conform/follow instructions will continue to receive sanctions/support to ensure standards are met. We will be seeking to run as many clubs/activities/events that are permitted and ensure that students have these wider educational experiences.  As always, the deciding factor will be the guidance/direction we are given and the current levels of Covid-19 within our area.

From the latest information, rates of Covid-19 have continued to drop and are comparable to September. Having reviewed our risk assessment, we will continue to operate as prior to the Easter break. Masks in class will be compulsory until Wednesday 21^st April 2021 then from Thursday 22^nd April masks will be optional in classrooms when seated. All students should have completed two Covid-19 tests by this time.  They are not required to be worn for practical work but are essential and compulsory when moving around the school buildings. Prior to students returning there are some important reminders to consider.

Home Testing

All students were issued with Covid-19 home testing kits prior to the holidays. Whilst some families may have ‘had a break’ from this over Easter it is essential that ALL students complete a test on Sunday 18^th April prior to returning and again on Wednesday 21^st April 2021. This should be reported on the Government Website  https://www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result  AND the school results form. If all students and staff test prior to returning then there is limited chance of the Covid-19 infection being spread.  If families/individuals do not test and the infection comes into school then this will impact on others by families having to isolate. Students should then continue to test each Sunday and Wednesday.

Child Sickness

There were a number of occasions last half-term when children were sent into school after telling their parents/carers that they were feeling ill and even had Covid-19 like symptoms. Fortunately, no positive cases resulted. However, it is essential that you err on the side of caution and not send your child into school if they are ill. There will undoubtedly be more upset tummies/illness as is always the case when children return from the holidays after a break.

Punctuality

Having staggered the timings of the day to ensure less ‘mixing’ of year groups. It is frustrating when students arrive late. Please ensure that your child arrives for the start of registration. This is 8.20am for Years 7, 8 & 9 and 8.30am for Years 10 and 11.

Uniform

This was amazing last half-term and we encountered very few issues. Now that shops are open this should become a little easier. Please inform your child’s Head of Learning if there are any issues relating to uniform. A reminder that hair must be kept clean and tidy.  Hairstyles should be appropriate and not contain exaggerated colours, styles or adornments.  No unnatural coloured braiding/weaves/dreadlock braiding beads or metal cuffs or extensions allowed. Hair which is shaven should be no shorter than grade 2 and equal throughout. Hair with shaved head designs and undercuts are NOT permitted.  Make-up, nail varnish and conspicuous hairdressings are NOT permitted.  These are not suitable for School.  Badges are NOT permitted, with the exception of those awarded by the School.

Jewellery continues to be an issue with students wearing very expensive items to school. All jewellery is confiscated and returned at the end of the week.  Exceptions are made for a watch and/or crucifix to be worn underneath the shirt.  A maximum of one small gold/silver stud earring may be worn in each earlobe.  Multiple stretched/bars/dangly earrings/facial piercings/body piercings and stretchers are NOT permitted.

Finally, I would like to thank you all for your support and hope that you had an enjoyable Easter. We are looking forward to student returning on Monday 19^th April 2021 (Week B).

Mr S Graham

Headteacher

Click here to view the full statement

Statement from the Network Manager (11th January 2021)

During these unprecedented times we, as a school community will continue to support our children as much as possible with home learning during the lockdown.

Working with Government provisions we are able to offer the following help to students to enable them to take part in the Home Learning schedule that has be set up by the school.

Although we aim to support all our children the majority of the offers are targeted at disadvantaged families or students who do not have fixed broadband at home, cannot afford additional data for their devices or are experiencing disruption to their face-to-face education.

Forgotten Password or Account Issues

Passwords can be reset by emailing homelearning@saintedmunds.org.uk , we endeavor to reset these as soon as possible once we have received them, we will email back a password for you to use. Please provide the username for your child or full name and their tutor group.

Device Loan

We have a number of devices available should you not have access to one, these devices come preconfigured with Teams and just need connecting to your home Wi-Fi. These are on a first come first served basis and are only if you have no adequate provision to take part in Home Learning. To request a device please email homelearning@saintedmunds.org.uk which your child’s details

Vodafone Data Sims

We have a number of data only Sims cards provided to us from Vodafone. These allow you to replace the Sim Card in your phone/device and use it as a mobile 4g hotspot. These are useful if you have no fixed broadband and limited data allowance. These provide 30GB of data for 90 days, if you require one of these Data Sims please email homelearning@saintedmunds.org.uk if you wish to take up this provision.

Free Mobile Data Increase on your phone

The School through the Government is able to offer a data increase on your personal phone with certain carriers to use as a mobile hotspot to facilitate home learning. If you are with one of the following providers and wish to take up this offer please email homelearning@saintedmunds.org.uk with the name of the mobile phone account holder, the number of the mobile requiring the increase and the name of the network (for example Three). The DfE will then apply for the increase, once the increase has been approved the provider will send a text to the account holder. The following carriers who are taking part in this scheme:- Three, Smarty, Virgin Mobile, EE, Tesco Mobile, Sky Mobile and O2.

Mobile Wi-Fi Dongle

We are in receipt of a small number of Wi-Fi dongles with data available, this device will allow you to setup a mobile hotspot to be able to access Home Learning on the internet. If you wish to apply for one of these devices please email homelearning@saintedmunds.org.uk.

Help Documents/Teams

A number of help documents are available on the school website. These can be found by clicking on Technical Help on the school website or typing https://www.saintedmunds.org.uk/help .  For non-technical enquiries about the general usage of Teams please contact our Teams teaching expert

Mr. Hughes: rhughes@saintedmunds.org.uk.

Please be assured that the school is doing everything it can to ensure that all our students are able to maintain full access to their education during this current lockdown. If you have any questions or require any further advice please do not hesitate to email me directly at iwhite@saintedmunds.org.uk.

Mr I White

Network Manager

Click here to view the full statement