COVID-19 guidance update - APRIL 2022

NHS encourages children aged between 5 and 15 years to get their COVID-19 vaccination and help protect themselves and those around them

The NHS would like to encourage children aged between 5 and 15 years to get their COVID-19 vaccination, as soon as possible. The vaccine can reduce the risk of infection to your child as well as those around them, who may be more vulnerable to getting seriously ill if they catch the virus.

Children can get vaccinated in several convenient locations including walk-in centres and community pharmacies. Parents can book an appointment to get their child vaccinated through the national booking centre or look online at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination for their nearest walk-in centre.

Children and adults who have had COVID-19 recently, should not book an appointment to get vaccinated until 12 weeks have passed since they tested positive.

We understand that some parents may have questions or concerns about getting their child or themselves vaccinated. If you would like to talk to someone about this, please contact the Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS vaccination helpline on 0300 561 0018.

Following the Government's further lifting of restrictions relating to coronavirus, we wanted to update all parents/carers on the requirements from us as a school.

Although the need to self isolate is no longer a legal requirement we would request you adhere to the following guidance;

• Children and young people who are unwell and have a high temperature should stay at home and avoid contact with other people. They can come back to school, when they no longer have a high temperature, and they are well enough to attend.
• There will no longer be a requirement to test your child for coronavirus, however if your child does test positive the advice is to stay home and avoid contact with other people for 3 days.
• If your child is well enough to do work while they are isolating at home, we will provide online learning via Google Classroom.
• If your child is a close contact of someone who has tested positive they are still able to come to school as long as they do not have a high temperature themselves.
• If your child comes into school with a high temperature, or develops a temperature during the school day, we will call and request that they are collected and taken home.
• We are continuing to request that all visitors to the school wear masks in the corridors.
• Staff are no longer required to carry out twice weekly lateral flow tests, but all are mindful of testing if they feel unwell.
• Classrooms will continue to be as well ventilated as we can by opening the windows.
• Good hand hygiene will also be encouraged and maintained.

We want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support in following these guidelines and helping keep your children and our staff safe and healthy.

Kevin Harcombe

HEADTEACHER