Dear parents and carers,

Testing for Covid

Since our reopening on the 8^th March, we have now completed the testing of students on site. Students have responded brilliantly to the testing in school in such a mature and sensible way and we are incredibly proud of them.

Home testing kits have been issued to all students, to enable them to continue testing at home.  Further tests will be given out next week so that students can continue to be tested twice each week.  Please look out for messages on Twitter and Facebook to inform you of the day to expect kits for your child’s year group.  Home tests should be completed on a Monday and Thursday morning and registered at www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result   Ensure that the test is taken in enough time for the result to be obtained, allowing 30 minutes, before sending your child into school.  If the test is positive, please contact school straight immediately so that we can identify any direct contacts.  The household should then isolate for ten days.

We have been asked to distribute testing kits to all students, even if they have not taken part in the testing programme in school in an effort to encourage as many as possible to take part in what we are told will become a regular part of our lives in the coming months.

Public Health have asked that parents avoid going to healthcare locations including vaccination centres to collect home testing kits.  These locations do not hold or distribute home testing kits.  Attending these locations risks overcrowding and creates additional work for already busy NHS staff.

Options for home testing are:

• Since 1 March household testing for anyone age 11 and above living (or in a support/childcare bubble) with someone who attends or works in a school is available by attending a local collection centre these collection centre locations and opening times can be found by using the following link https://find-covid-19-rapid-test-sites.maps.test-and-trace.nhs.uk/
• From the 15 March home testing kits for use by students have been distributed to all secondary age students in school

Early Closure

On Tuesday 23^rd March, school will be closing early for Year 9 Progress Evening.  Years 9, 10 and 11 will finish at 1.15 and Years 7 and 8 will finish at 1.35.  Lunch will be available before students leave and work will be online for lesson 5, on Google Classroom.  Thank you in advance for your support in enabling us to create enough appointments to allow all parents to speak to their teachers at this important time.

Students finish for Easter at the end of Thursday 1^st April and will then return on Monday 19^th April. 

If your child tests positive in the first 6 days of the holidays up until the 6^th April, please ensure you inform school by emailing admin@blaconhigh.cheshire.sch.uk as it will still be necessary for us to track and trace in order to identify direct contacts to isolate.

Covid Safety in school

Thank you for working with us to ensure that students are wearing the correct uniform.  Students are now changing once again for PE with additional measures in place, to keep everyone safe.  Students are encouraged to continue wearing face coverings in the changing areas, the fire doors are open for increased ventilation and the rooms are fogged in between each use.  We want to support students actively participating in their sports lessons once again, to enhance mental health and well-being, in addition to maintaining high standards for uniform.  We will continue to review the arrangements and will be guided by the information from Public Health and the DfE.

As you will be aware, it is important to have good ventilation in school, to reduce the spread of Covid.  Windows are open in the classrooms but the heating continues to be on, to balance this.  Students are not allowed to wear coats in classrooms but can wear them in other parts of the building until the weather is warmer.  Plain, black jumpers (no hoodies) can be worn under the blazer to ensure that students are not cold.

Thank you again for your support in everything we are doing to ensure the safety of students and staff in school.

Regards,

Mrs Rachel Hudson

Headteacher