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Latest Covid-19 Guidance

Changes to school procedures related to Covid-19 to be implemented from 2^nd November 2020

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:

Attendance stands at 93.5%, compared to the nationally reported figure for secondary schools of 83%
We have awarded nearly 50 000 positive points to students, and over 92% of all points awarded have been positive. This is the highest positive percentage that we have ever awarded.
Many students achieved perfect reports
Many students achieved 100% attendance and no concerns for the half term. We will be celebrating successes in our termly prize draws next week

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 2^nd November.

Face coverings will be compulsory for all students when:

entering and leaving the site, from 100 metres from the school entrance to their first/last classroom of the day
moving between lessons. Students should be wearing a face covering before leaving their place at the end of each lesson
moving around the site, for example when going to the toilet
queuing at break and lunchtime, or at any time in the dining room or hall when they are not actually sitting down
during practical lessons such as technology where they are more likely to move around or where they may work facing each other and in the changing rooms in PE

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:

No physical contact
Maintaining reasonable social distance where possible
Regular washing or sanitising of hands
Not sharing equipment

Thank you for your continued support.

Yours sincerely

Jonathan Fawcett – Headteacher

Letter for parents about COVID-19 symptoms

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

Covid-19 Government guidance

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

What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

Guidance for Schools and other Educational Settings

COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable

NHS Guidance: Who’s at higher risk from coronavirus

Coronavirus (COVID-19): personal protective equipment (PPE) hub

COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable

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

To arrange for a test

NHS information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19)