From January 11th

To confirm that from today anyone who now receives a positive lateral flow test but has no COVID-19 symptoms will no longer have to take a PCR to confirm the result. If you have symptoms that you should still go and get the PCR to confirm.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/confirmatory-pcr-tests-to-be-temporarily-suspended-for-positive-lateral-flow-test-results?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Since Wednesday 22 December, the 10 day self-isolation period for people who record a positive PCR test result for COVID-19 has been reduced to 7 days in most circumstances, unless you cannot test for any reason. 

Individuals may now take LFD tests on day 6 and day 7 of their self-isolation period. Those who receive two negative test results are no longer required to complete 10 full days of self-isolation. The first test must be taken no earlier than day 6 of the self-isolation period and tests must be taken 24 hours apart. This also applies to children under 5, with LFD testing at parental or guardian discretion. If both these test results are negative, and you do not have a high temperature, you may end your self-isolation after the second negative test result and return to your education setting from day 8.

Anyone who is unable to take LFD tests will need to complete the full 10 day period of self-isolation. Further information is available in the stay at home: guidance for households with possible or confirmed COVID-19 infection.

Daily testing for close contacts of COVID-19

People who are fully vaccinated, or children and young people aged between 5 and 18 years and 6 months, identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19, should take an LFD test every day for seven days and continue to attend their setting as normal, unless they have a positive test result or develop symptoms at any time.

Children under 5 are not being advised to take part in daily testing of close contacts. If a child under 5 is a contact of a confirmed case, they are not required to self-isolate and should not start daily testing. If they live in the same household as someone with COVID-19 they should limit their contact with anyone who is at higher risk of severe illness if infected with COVID-19, and arrange to take a PCR test as soon as possible. They can continue to attend an education or childcare setting while waiting for the PCR result. If the test is positive, they should follow the stay at home: guidance for households with possible or confirmed COVID-19 infection.

Protective measures

These measures are currently in place in order to keep all members of our community as safe as we can and to be able to continue to keep the school open and teaching children face to face. These measures are continually under review.

1. Continue with the staggered start and finish times for all year groups.
2. Year group also do not mix on the playground at play or lunch.
3. No staff or visitors in the school office/ reception area- please call the school or email the school office.
4. Any professionals meetings will need to show LFT negative result
5. Face masks will be worn by all staff in communal areas
6. Increase ventilation measures- keep windows open where possible
7. Ensure hand hygiene measures are adhered to by all staff and children including the use of the many sanitising points around the school site
8. All staff meeting and assemblies will be remote
9. Parent meetings will continue – outside may be used as an option for some but all will need to be masked and sanitised ( if inside)
10. Parents are asked to wear masks when waiting for drop off/ pick up / and whilst on the school site. Please also keep socially distant from others where possible.
11. Parents must wear masks when speaking to staff.