Questions and Answers about Covid 19 - September 2021
30th September 2021
Covid-19, Parent Questions and Answers
September 2021 National Guidance States:
People who have been fully vaccinated no longer have to self-isolate if they are a contact of a positive case; those under 18 years of age also no longer need to self-isolate if they are a contact of a positive case.
At Sacred Heart we have conducted our own risk assessment and the following Covid guidance should be followed, some of which goes further than the national guidance, to protect our pupils, families, and staff.
We hope to avoid any outbreaks and ask families to support us in the approaches. Please read this guide carefully.
Question and answers
If my child has symptoms, can they come to school?
No. They should remain at home. The child with symptoms should get a PCR test. If positive, they will need to self-isolate for a full 10 days. If negative and they are well, they can then return to school.
If someone else in the household has symptoms, can my child come to school?
Yes, the child can continue to attend school if they have no symptoms. The person with symptoms should get a test and should self-isolate while they wait for the result.
If someone in the household tests positive, can my child come to school?
Yes, but we strongly advise that you take them for a PCR test - parents may prefer to keep the child off until the PCR result comes back. If the test is negative, they can return to school if they have no symptoms.
If my child is identified as a close contact from the community, can they come to school?
Yes, if they do not have symptoms. The child should get a PCR test straight away. Although they can continue coming to school, parents may prefer to keep the child off until the PCR result comes back.
If someone in the class has symptoms, what happens?
The child will be sent home and must get a PCR test and self-isolate while waiting for the results. The other children in the class will continue to attend school.
If someone in the class tests positive, what happens?
That child will self isolate for 10 days and the family should receive a call from NHS test and trace. We are suggesting the following enhanced measure; staff will identify ‘high risk contacts’. These are children who have had very close or prolonged close contact with the child who has tested positive. This is likely to be children who the positive case sits next to on a regular basis. We will ask these parents to take their children for a PCR test and these children should remain off school while waiting for the result. All other children in the class can continue to attend school. Parents will be informed that there is a positive case in the class and should remain vigilant to any developing symptoms for their child. Please note: This is an enhanced measure based on the school risk assessment to protect pupils and staff.
Does my child need to take regular lateral flow tests?
No, this is not a requirement for Primary schools, however, if your families would like to do this then that is fine. We would encourage all adults to take regular (twice a week) lateral flow device tests to help identify early onset of Covid.
What happens if lots of children at school tests positive?
If this happens, we will involve our local health protection team and they will advise us if any additional action is required, such as implementing elements of our outbreak management plan. This may include wider testing or targeted closures of certain groups or classes.
What happens if the staff member tests positive?
The staff member will self-isolate for 10 days. They children will either be taught by a cover member of staff or supply teacher. If the teacher is well enough, they may be able to teach remotely into the classroom. If the teacher is unwell, they will not be teaching remotely and will be resting and recovering.
If my child is self-isolating, will they get work?
Yes. We will implement our remote education plan for any child self-isolating at home and, if they are well enough, we will expect them to complete all work set and submit this via Seesaw. Staff will liaise with parents as appropriate.
Will children be in bubbles?
No. Children will mix at play times and have assemblies together in the school hall again. We want children to experience as normal a school day as possible again and will uphold additional hygiene measures such as hand washing and cleaning of surfaces to try to reduce the spread of any viruses.
Will school let us know if there is a positive case?
We will aim to keep parents informed and contact those directly affected by a positive case.
If a parent has been a close contact and is not required to self isolate (double vaccinated) can they still bring children to school?
Yes, but be we would ask that you take some additional precautions. As well as getting a PCR test, we ask that you:
• Wear a mask on the school site
• Keep physical distance from other families and staff
NHS suggest:
• limiting close contact with other people outside your household, especially in enclosed spaces
• wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces and where you are unable to maintain social distancing
• limiting contact with anyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable
• taking part in twice weekly LFD testing
This advice applies while the person who tested positive with COVID-19 is self-isolating. In all circumstances – please keep school updated about any symptoms, close contacts, or positive cases. If you have any other questions, please get in touch