Latest News | Hatherleigh Community Primary School

Living with COVID - DfE latest guidance for schools

Fri 01 Apr 2022

The DfE has announced the following changes to measures and guidance for managing COVID-19 in schools from Friday 1 April.

Adults with the symptoms of a respiratory infection, and who have a high temperature or feel unwell, should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until they feel well enough to resume normal activities and they no longer have a high temperature.

Children and young people who are unwell and have a high temperature should stay at home and avoid contact with other people. They can go back to school, college or childcare when they no longer have a high temperature, and they are well enough to attend.

Adults with a positive COVID-19 test result should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 5 days, which is when they are most infectious. For children and young people aged 18 and under, the advice will be 3 days.

COVID 19 - Latest Guidance

Fri 21 Jan 2022

Friday 21st January 2022

Covid 19 Guidance

We continue to have high numbers of positive Covid cases within school. In addition to this many children are presenting with symptoms but are not testing positive on a lateral flow test.

As the Government guidance is somewhat confusing, I have put together a simple outline of the steps to take. Further information can be found at:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing/get-tested-for-coronavirus/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/when-to-self-isolate-and-what-to-do/

There are 2 tests for Covid-19

PCR tests - for people with symptoms.
Lateral flow tests - for people with no symptoms.

As mentioned in previous letters, we are noticing that symptoms are wide ranging and include: diarrhoea, vomiting, high temperature, cough, sneezes, headache, and generally feeling unwell.

Symptomatic - if your child has symptoms they must take a pcr test as soon as possible and self isolate while waiting for the result.

Asymptomatic - we are advising parents to do daily regular lateral flow tests even if their child has no symptoms in the hope that we can pick up any asymptomatic cases and help prevent the spread of infection.

Positive Lateral Flow - If a lateral flow is positive self isolation starts immediately. This is even if the line is faint, but it no longer needs to be confirmed by a pcr test. Isolation then continues until 2 negative lateral flows, 24 hours apart. The earliest that these can be done is day 5. If no negative lateral flow tests occur, self isolation can stop after 10 days. Please note that the day of the test is day 0.

Self isolation starts the day symptoms start (or positive test if symptoms do not develop). If the lateral flow is positive but your child has no symptoms but then develops symptoms, the self isolation period is reset to the day symptoms start.

We continue to follow the guidelines within school to try and slow the transmission and have been taking additional advice from the Health Protection Team.

If you have any questions then please do not hesitate to contact me.

Job Vacancy - School Business Manager

Wed 12 Jan 2022

We are looking to appoint a new School Business Manager with effect from the 6th June 2022. For further information about the post please go to www.devonjobs.gov.uk/customjobs/school-business-manager-hatherleigh-community-primary-school

Return to school January 2022

Tue 04 Jan 2022

Tuesday 4th January 2022

Return to school COVID arrangements

Dear Parent/Carer

I hope you and your family enjoyed a good Christmas break and a peaceful New Year.

The new term begins tomorrow and all children are expected to return to school. COVID arrangements in school remain as they were last term with the exception that the isolation period for a positive COVID test has been reduced from 10 to 7 days. Individuals may now take a LFD test on day 6 and day 7 and if both are negative they may end self-isolation and return to school.

Please continue to regularly monitor the health of your child and, if you are able to, take regular LFD tests if you feel they have been in close contact with anyone who has tested positive, followed by a PCR test if the LFD test is positive or if they show any COVID symptoms.

The health and safety of all members of our school community is vitally important and I do thank you for your cooperation and understanding during these difficult times.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Yours sincerely

Alan Monger

Headteacher

UKHSA COVID letter to parents

Fri 03 Dec 2021

Friday 3rd December 2021

Positive COVID cases

Dear Parent/Carer

There have been further confirmed cases of COVID-19 within our Y5 class and the UKHSA has issued the following information.

The school remains open and your child should continue to attend as normal if they remain well. We encourage household members that are aged 11 and over to continue with twice weekly LFD testing to help identify cases promptly.

If you think your child is a close contact but have not been contacted directly by NHS Test and Trace then they should take a PCR test via Get a free PCR test to check if you have coronavirus (COVID-19) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) or by calling 119.

When ordering a PCR test it is important to check the box (online) or tell 119 ‘I’ve been told to get a test by my health protection team’ and not ‘I’ve been told to get a test by my school or nursery’. Further guidance can be found at Guidance for contacts of people with confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection who do not live with the person - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

What to do if your child develops symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) or tests positive for COVID-19

If your child develops symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), they should get a PCR test and remain at home at least until the result is known. If negative, the child can end self-isolation; if positive, the child should isolate until at least 10 days after their symptoms appeared. Symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are a new, continuous cough, or a high temperature, or a loss of, or change in, their normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia). If the child has a positive test result but does not have symptoms, they should stay at home and self-isolate for 10 days from the date the positive test was taken. This isolation period will be extended if they go on to develop symptoms by counting 10 full days from the day following their symptom onset.

Anyone with symptoms will be eligible for a PCR test (the normally available test type) and this can be arranged via Get a free PCR test to check if you have coronavirus (COVID-19) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) or by calling 119.

Instructions for people who live in the same household as someone with COVID-19 (tested positive or symptomatic awaiting a test result)

You will not be required to self-isolate if you are a contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 and any of the following apply:

· you are fully vaccinated

· you are below the age of 18 years 6 months

· you have taken part in or are currently part of an approved COVID-19 vaccine trial

· you are not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons

Fully vaccinated means that you have been vaccinated with an MHRA approved COVID-19 vaccine in the UK, and at least 14 days have passed since you received the recommended doses of that vaccine.

NHS Test and Trace will contact you to let you know that you have been identified as a contact and check whether you are legally required to self-isolate. If you are not legally required to self-isolate, you will be provided with advice on testing and given guidance on preventing the spread of COVID-19. Even if you do not have symptoms, you will be advised to have a PCR test as soon as possible.

Any member of the household who is aged 18 years and 6 months or over and has only received one dose of COVID-19 vaccine or has not received any dose of the COVID-19 vaccination will still be required to self-isolate as household contact of a someone with COVID-19 symptoms awaiting testing and someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

Household members who are not exempt from isolation as close contacts should not go to work, school/college/childcare/education setting or public areas, and exercise should be taken within the home. If you require help with buying groceries, other shopping or picking up medication, or walking a dog, you should ask friends or family. Alternatively, you can order your shopping online and medication by phone or online. Household members staying at home for 10 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community.

You could be fined if you do not self-isolate following a notification by NHS Test and Trace. You may be entitled to a one-off payment of £500 through the NHS Test and Trace Support Payment scheme if you are required to stay at home and self-isolate or you are the parent or guardian of a child who has been told to self-isolate.

Those who are clinically extremely vulnerable should be supported to minimise their contact with other people in the household during this period, regardless of whether others have symptoms or not.

Instructions for household contacts who are not required to self-isolate

Even if you are vaccinated, you can still be infected with COVID-19 and pass it on to others. If you are identified as a contact of someone with COVID-19 but you are not required to self-isolate, you can help protect others by following the guidance on how to stay safe and help prevent the spread. As well as getting a PCR test, you may also consider:

· limiting close contact with other people outside your household, especially in enclosed spaces

· wearing a face covering for those aged 11 and over

· limiting contact with anyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable

· taking part in regular LFD testing

If you are a health or social care worker or a student undertaking a work placement who has been identified as a household contact and are exempt from self-isolation, there is additional guidance available that you should follow to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19 in these settings.

If you develop symptoms at any time, even if these are mild, self-isolate immediately, arrange to have a COVID-19 PCR test and follow the guidance for people with COVID-19 symptoms.

For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.

If your child does develop symptoms, you can seek advice from the nhs.uk website at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/. If you are concerned about your child’s symptoms, or they are worsening you can seek advice from NHS 111 at https://111.nhs.uk/ or by phoning 111.

How to stop COVID-19 spreading

There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with coronavirus (COVID-19):

· get vaccinated

· wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser regularly throughout the day

· cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze

· put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

· meet people outside and avoid crowded areas

· open doors and windows to let in fresh air if meeting people inside

· wear a face covering if aged 11 and over when it's hard to stay away from other people – particularly indoors or in crowded places

· participate in twice weekly LFD testing following national guidelines (recommended for 11 years and over). We encourage you to log your results here: https://www.gov.uk/log-test-site-covid19-results

Further Information

Further information is available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Yours sincerely

Alan Monger

Headteacher

COVID letter to parents

Sun 31 Oct 2021

Sunday 31st October 2021

Dear Parents/Carers

Over the half term break we have been made aware of a number of children in our school community who have tested positive for COVID 19.

We are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England. This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child. Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.

Children who have tested positive are isolating. The children who have been identified as contacts of the confirmed case will have guidance from NHS test and trace and will be advised to take a PCR test if NHS test and trace have their contact details. NHS Test and Trace will not be contacting the school for details of close contacts.

If you take a PCR test as a close contact and are not showing symptoms of COVID-19 you do not have to self-isolate whilst awaiting the result if fully vaccinated or aged 18 years six months or under.

Virus transmission control measures in school remain in place and the school remains open and, providing your child remains well, they can continue to attend school as normal. We will keep this under review.

What to do if your child develops symptoms of COVID 19

If your child develops symptoms of COVID-19, you should organise for your child to be tested via the NHS online portal or by calling 119. Your household does not need to self-isolate whilst waiting the result if the following apply:

you're fully vaccinated – this means 14 days have passed since your final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine given by the NHS
you're under 18 years, 6 months old
you're taking part or have taken part in a COVID-19 vaccine trial
you're not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons

Symptoms of COVID 19

The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:

new continuous cough and/or
high temperature
a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)

How to stop COVID-19 spreading

There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with COVID-19

keep a safe distance (at least 2 metres) away from people you do not live with or who are not in your support bubble.
reduce the time spent in crowded areas where it may be difficult to social distance
wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
clean surfaces often, paying particular attention to surfaces touched often (e.g. light switches or electronic devises)
cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of tissues into a rubbish bag immediately and wash your hands
wear a face covering in indoor spaces where social distancing may be difficult
Keep indoor spaces as well ventilated as possible – let the fresh air in, even if for a short period a day

Further information

Further information is available at

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

and

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/

Yours sincerely

Alan Monger

Headteacher

Year 4 head to Hooke Court

Mon 18 Oct 2021

Despite the rain, Year 4 have enjoyed their afternoon team building activities and are looking forward to dinner.

Job Vacancy - to find out more about our teaching vacancy please use the link below

Thu 30 Sep 2021

https://www.devonjobs.gov.uk/customjobs/teacher-hatherleigh-cp-school-2

COVID arrangements in school from September 2021

Wed 21 Jul 2021

Wednesday 21st July 2021

COVID Arrangements in school from September 2021

Dear Parent/Carer

From Monday, England moved to Step 4 of the Government roadmap meaning COVID restrictions are now lifted but as a school we will remain cautious to ensure the ongoing safety of all in our community.

Below are detailed the arrangements that will be in place when the children return to school in September. All of these measures will be under constant review and revision to reflect the needs of the school and the latest guidance from the DfE and Devon County Council.

Class organisation

Children will no longer be in class bubbles and will be able to mix with other classes at play and lunchtime and attend whole school gatherings such as assembly. Social distancing will not be expected but children and adults will be encouraged to maintain an appropriate distance from each other when possible taking into consideration the age of the children and the nature of a school environment. Children will continue to have a personal stationery kit and we ask for only essential items to be brought into school such as a coat, book bag, PE kit, water bottle and packed lunch, other items such as toys are not encouraged.

Face masks and testing

There continues to be no requirement for Primary aged children to wear face masks in school but school staff will wear masks as appropriate to meet individual needs and support the reduction in virus transmission.

Twice weekly COVID19 testing for staff will continue but there is no weekly testing requirement for children.

Track and Trace

Hatherleigh school will no longer need to carry out routine contact tracing in the event of a positive COVID test. From this point onwards, close contacts will be identified and contacted by NHS Test and Trace.

Arrival and departure

All children may arrive at the school gates between 0845 and 0855 and walk straight into class. Departure will be at 1515 for EYFS and KS1 (YR, Y1 & Y2) and 1520 for KS2 (Y3, Y4, Y5 & Y6), children will be brought to the school gates and dismissed by class teachers to parents and carers.

To continue to maintain good safeguarding for all at school, parents and carers will be asked to remain outside of the school gates and be mindful of social distancing and wear a face mask as you feel is appropriate to your needs.

Children using the school bus will arrive and depart at the usual bus times.

Please note, new YR Chestnuts children will be arriving at 0900, lining up on the playground and departing at 1500 for the first three days of the new term. After this they will be able to arrive and depart at the normal school times for YR.

Communication with staff

If you wish to speak to a member of staff please use the class or admin email, telephone the school or speak to a member of staff on the gate or class teacher once they have completed dismissing their class at the end of the day.

Handwashing/sanitising

Whilst in school children will continue to wash/sanitise their hands on arrival/departure, after every play and lunch time, before eating food, after using the toilet and after any session involving shared equipment such as PE. Desks will continue to be cleaned at the end of the morning and afternoon sessions.

Toilets

Each class will continue to have dedicated toilets for their class and will be appropriately supervised to avoid any overcrowding.

One way system

To support social distancing and safe movement of children around the school the one-way system, shown through signage and arrows painted on the floor, will continue.

Lunch arrangements

All lunches will now be eaten in the Dining room. Children will wash/sanitise hands before eating and tables will be cleaned before and after each sitting.

All trays, crockery, cups and cutlery will be thoroughly washed and sanitised, following normal Health and Safety procedures.

Visitors to school

All visitors to school must phone in advance, only one person will be admitted at a time and you will be expected to observe social distancing and wear a face mask when on the school site.

Remote Education

In the event of children not being able to attend school due to self-isolating or shielding, Remote education will be used to ensure learning continues. Please see the school website for details of our Remote education provision.

Wellbeing - ensuring children are ready to learn

The wellbeing of children, parents/carers and staff has been of utmost importance from the beginning of the Pandemic and will continue to be so when school returns in September for the new school year. As a school, we will continue to ensure all social/emotional and wellbeing needs are identified and met thus ensuring children are ready to learn.

If you have any questions or require further information please contact the school office.

Thank you for your continuing support and understanding during these challenging times.

Yours sincerely

Alan Monger

Headteacher

Sports day and a visit from HSB

Fri 16 Jul 2021

Although we couldn't run it like we usually do, we had a wonderful 'bubbled' Sports day. Each class went down to Hatherleigh Cricket Club for their session of track and field events. It was great to be able to invite parents too. Despite the incredibly hot weather the children did themselves proud and competed with a smile.

At the end of the day, Hatherleigh Silver Band performed in the playground as each bubble left. This was part of an initiative from Brass Band England celebrating the return of live music as restrictions are lifted. We all thoroughly enjoyed hearing the mini band play.