Dear Parents/Carers
We hope that you have had a pleasant Christmas break and wish you all a very Happy New Year.
We would ask that you read the following updated information in relation to COVID 19 in preparation for your child’s return to school this week. A letter from Colin Cox, the Director of Public Health for Cumbria, is also available for your information.
| Arrangements for the start of term | |
| Wednesday 5 January 2022 8.35am | Years 10, 11, 12 & 13 |
| Thursday 6 January 2022 8.35am | Years 7, 8 & 9 |
Lateral Flow Testing:
Even if someone has tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 90 days, they are strongly encouraged to take part in LFD testing at school and at home once they have completed their isolation period for their prior infection. We will therefore ask all pupils for whom we have consent to test in school regardless of whether they have had COVID within the last 90 days.
Self-isolation:
Since Wednesday 22 December, the 10-day self-isolation period for people who record a positive PCR test result for COVID-19 has been reduced to 7 days in most circumstances, unless you cannot test for any reason.
Individuals may now take LFD tests on day 6 and day 7 of their self-isolation period. Those who receive 2 negative test results are no longer required to complete 10 full days of self-isolation. The first test must be taken no earlier than day 6 of the self-isolation period and tests must be taken 24 hours apart. If both these test results are negative, and you do not have a high temperature, you may end your self-isolation after the second negative test result and return to school from day 8.
Close contacts:
People who are fully vaccinated, or children and young people aged between 5 and 18 years and 6 months, identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19, should take an LFD test every day for 7 days and continue to attend their setting as normal, unless they have a positive test result or develop symptoms at any time. School will provide home test kits for anyone who is identified as a close contact.
Face coverings in school:
With effect from tomorrow, as well as all adults and pupils wearing face coverings in communal areas, pupils will also be required to wear face coverings in classrooms. This will support pupils and teachers as they return to school this term and builds on the existing guidance. It will be in place until Wednesday 26 January, when the government’s Plan B regulations are currently scheduled to expire, at which point it will be reviewed. Please therefore ensure your child brings a mask to school with them.
Yours faithfully
Mr D Bird
Headteacher
