8^th March 2021

Update on Testing available for Families and the National Census 2021

Dear parents and carers,

We have been working closely with the local public health team to ensure we are following the latest Government guidance and necessary precautions to make our school COVID-secure so we are ready to welcome students back over the next few days.

Although infection rates are coming down gradually in the area, we can all play our part to help reduce transmission of the virus by following these simple measures.

- Students from Year 7 and above are encouraged to take a rapid result COVID-19 test at school as they return. The first three tests will be completed on the school/college premises and home testing kits will be provide thereafter

- If you haven’t yet given your consent, please complete this short form https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=70bgJyRMHkq7OpF-8w3afjMloiDccOBLtHeBZZzaNABUMzM3WFVXTFhOVFZOM0k5UEcyOE1OUUY0Uy4u

- Students from Year 7 and above should wear a face covering in school, where a social distance of two metres cannot be maintained, this will include classrooms and communal areas

- Wear a face covering when entering public indoor buildings or travelling on public transport.

- Make space by keeping a two-metre distance from anyone outside your household, where possible

- Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water or hand sanitiser

- Self-isolate with your household and get a test if you have COVID-19 symptoms by calling 119 or visiting nhs.uk/coronavirus.

- Self-isolate for 10 days if you are a contact of a confirmed case

Students and families are also reminded to follow the COVID-19 safety measures we have in place at our school.

- All adults to wear a face covering when visiting or entering the school including outdoor yard areas.

- Parents/carers to arrive and leave promptly when dropping off/collecting their child – please do not congregate and maintain social distancing, as we know that the virus is easily transmitted from person to person.

- In schools where it has been agreed that a parent/carer can enter the school premises for drop-off and pick-up, only one adult should enter.

- Students are to avoid congregating outside of school, mixing with students from other schools and should go directly home.

- Students travelling on mainstream home to school transport or on public transport must wear a face covering unless they are exempt. This includes students travelling on SEN transport.

If you are a member of a household, childcare bubble or support bubble of staff or a pupil in primary or secondary school you can also get a twice-weekly rapid lateral flow test. You can collect two packs of home test kits at a local collection point, which are open daily from 1pm to 7pm. Households in England with people who attend or work in schools in Wales are also eligible to access these tests. Full details of where you an access a test can be found on the Testing and Self-isolation section of the Government website:  www.gov.uk/coronavirus

From the 8^th March, the Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme will be extended to assist parents and guardians whose child is required to self-isolate. This is restricted to one parent or guardian who are unable to work due to caring for a child who is required to self-isolate. For more details go to the ‘How to get help’ section at: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/covid

Census 2021

The census is a survey that happens every 10 years and gives us a picture of all the people and households in Wales and England.

The government, local councils, charities and many other organisations use census information to decide how to spend billions of pounds on services every year. This includes spending on transport, education and healthcare.  By taking part in the census, you will help make sure your community gets the services it needs.

To make sure money is spent where it is most needed, it is important that the census count everyone.

You must complete the census by law. Look out for your pack in the post. It will show you how to complete your census questionnaire. There will be plenty of help for people who need it. Your answers are protected by law and will be kept confidential.

Find out more: www.census.gov.uk

National 2021 Census Contact Centre: 0800 141 2021

England NGT (text relay service) (18001) 0800 141 2021

Language helpline: 0800 587 2021

Cheshire West and Chester Council are operating a local Census Support Centre to provide advice and support for completing the census to local residents. The contact number is 0300 123 7728 and the opening hours are Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm.

Yours faithfully,

Mrs Rachel Hudson

Headteacher