Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.
City wide cases
As you may be aware, cases of Covid 19 across Derby City continue to be a concern for the Local Authority, and many schools are increasingly impacted by staff shortages and absent pupils.
School cases
As with all schools, we have not been unaffected. Pupil cases, in particular those identified by LFD testing of children without symptoms, are leading to some pupil isolations. I empathise with those families frustrated by the fact that their child has to isolate, despite appearing well. Staff cases remain lower than may be anticipated, however, staff isolations have been implemented in a small number of cases.
As are other headteachers, I am working closely with the Local Authority and Public Health team to ensure that we are following guidance correctly and that they are aware of cases in the school.
Testing expectations:
These have been very publicly shared, but to be clear:
Although it is not a legal requirement, parents are asked to regulalry test their child at home using LFD testing kits. Ideally twice per week. LFD Ttst kits are available from pharmacies.
Identifying children with the virus early, even why they do not show symptoms, will help prevent a long term impact across the school. If your child later shows symptoms, you should arrange for a PCR test.
I have been told that testing kits are not as readily available as we are told or would wish, but primary schools are not provided with these for children, and therefore they must be sourced by yourselves. This is beyond my power to control.
Isolations and work from home resources:
I repeat that multiple resources are available for home learning on the school website. These can be accessed from any internet enabled device and there is no requirement for printing.
5 days of specific activities are available on the 'Class Pages' as well as additional activities to support home learning, including links to videos and online activities.
Remember, if your child is ill, you should complete only what is reasonably possible. These resources are to support you and your child at a time when they are able to access them - this is for you to judge at home.
Thank you to all of those making every effort to reduce transmission of Covid 19 in and around the school community. Derby City continues to have a high ratio of cases and therefore we must remain vigilant and ensure that we do all we can to reduce contamination.
As a school we have been only lightly affected overall by the new variant compared to other settings, however, in the last week we have seen a gradual rise in Lateral Flow Device (rapid tests) cases identified in the school.
This will be partly due to the increased levels of Lateral Flow Testing of those without symptoms who would in the past not have been identified and would have previously remained unidentified. However, it is clear that the virus still does, and could further, have an impact on school life.
For this reason I remind all parents:
Financial Support
A reminder that if you are required to isolate, Gov UK do provide a system for financial support. The details of this support can be found below.
If you are the parent or guardian of a child or young person who has been told to self-isolate. (It is therefore important that you follow the guidance given in the test kits to register any positive test outcome or the reference number if contacted directly)
A parent or guardian may be eligible for support via the Test and Trace Support Payment scheme if they live in England and meet the following criteria (even if they are exempt from self-isolation):
Close contacts of someone suspected or confirmed to have the Omicron variant of COVID-19 were required to self-isolate – regardless of exemptions from self-isolation – between 30 November 2021 and 13 December 2021. The parent or guardian of these contacts may therefore be eligible for the Test and Trace Support Payment scheme, provided they meet the rest of the eligibility criteria.
If you are eligible for either the Test and Trace Support Payment or a discretionary payment, you’ll receive the £500 payment in addition to any benefits and Statutory Sick Pay that you receive currently.
How to apply
In England, the Test and Trace Support Payment scheme is run by local councils.
If you think you meet the eligibility criteria for either the Test and Trace Support Payment or a discretionary payment, you can apply through your local council.
(Contact Derby City Council Phone: 01332 640000)
You can claim up to 42 days after the first day of your self-isolation period.
For the application, you will need to provide:
If you’re applying as a parent or guardian, you will need to provide your child’s NHS Test and Trace Account ID.
If the NHS COVID-19 app has told you to self-isolate because you’ve been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you will need to follow some additional steps to request your NHS Test and Trace Account ID.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/test-and-trace-support-payment-scheme-claiming-financial-support/claiming-financial-support-under-the-test-and-trace-support-payment-scheme
Covid changes to testing and isolation for Spring Term.
During the holiday period, guidance related to testing and isolation changed. Below I highlight how this impacts directly on parents and the school. The information given is direct from Dr Robyn Dewys, Director of Health Derby.
Common questions:
What happens if symptoms are identified during the school day? – If your child presents symptoms at school they will continue to be sent home for you to book/attend a PCR (Lab) test. Because they have symptoms, they are required to have a PCR test - we cannot accept the result of a Lateral Flow (30 minute test kit) for children who are showing symptoms.
Do I have to inform the school of test results?
My child tested positive, but they are feeling fine. Can they come back to school?
Once a positive test outcome has been reported, the school will not be allowed to take your child in until the isolation period has ended. This is why it is important you let us know immediately of a positive test outcome so that their return can be as prompt as possible.
If someone in my house has Covid, can my child still come to school?
Children CAN COME TO SCHOOL if a household member has tested positive for Covid 19, but it is advised that they take daily LFT tests. If it is not possible to bring them to school as the only person able to do so safely are themselves in isolation, absence will be authorised. You MUST inform the school office of this though. By informing the school office, the absence can be authorised.
I cannot get a PCR test booked as there is no availability / I cannot get hold of LFT home kits, what should I do?
We are aware of the national shortages of both testing kits and appointments for PCR. Do not worry if you are told to wait. Absences will be authorised during any period you are delayed waiting for availability.