First of all, thank you very much for all of the support that you have shown in ensuring a very successful reopening since the start of September. We had a very positive first half term back in school:
This positive return to school has ensured that students have settled well into full time learning again and have made good progress in their lessons. We want to ensure that this continues.
However, we are all aware of the increase in local infection rates. Along with the whole of Derbyshire, Amber Valley is about to be moved to tier 2, and many other local areas such as Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire have already moved into tier 3.
We constantly review our procedures in school and amend them when necessary. We now need to make more significant changes to our procedures, so please read the following very carefully and discuss them with your children so that they are aware of what they need to do in school from Monday 2nd November.
Face coverings will be compulsory for all students when:
To put this in simple terms, we are essentially saying that: when on school site students do not need to wear a face covering when they are sitting down but should do so at all times when standing and moving around site.
Face coverings will not be compulsory during the majority of lessons, but any student who wishes to wear one may do so
These procedures will be compulsory for all students unless parents or carers have provided evidence to Progress and Achievement Managers that they have a medical exemption
Procedures for staff have also been reviewed and will follow similar guidelines to those for students
These procedures will be explained to students during tutor time on Monday morning.
Students should bring their own face coverings and should follow hygiene rules when putting them on and removing them. Reusable coverings should be stored hygienically when not worn.
Students must not congregate in the vicinity of the school before gates open at 8.45 a.m. and students should enter the site as soon as they arrive, not waiting for friends to arrive. Whilst this was generally well adhered to last half term a small minority of groups of students are failing to do this
Please also continue to reinforce to your children the importance of the following key rules:
Thank you for your continued support.
Yours sincerely
Jonathan Fawcett – Headteacher
Public Health England have produced a letter for schools to distribute to parents which explains when a person requires a coronavirus test and what the symptoms of coronavirus are.
The intention of the letter is to help prevent children being taken out of school unnecessarily and answer some of the questions parents may have around testing.
PHE letter to parents and guardians
Please see the links below for the latest Covid-19 Government guidance.
Queries regarding COVID-19 in schools, other educational establishments and children’s social care can be discussed via the DfE Coronavirus helpline, tel: 0800 046 8687
Guidance for Schools and other Educational Settings
NHS Guidance: Who’s at higher risk from coronavirus
Coronavirus (COVID-19): personal protective equipment (PPE) hub
Staying alert and safe (social distancing)
NHS Guidance: Self-isolation and treatment if you have coronavirus symptoms
NHS test and trace: how it works
Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting tested
NHS information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19)
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Coronavirus (COVID-19): implementing protective measures in education and childcare settings
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
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