We were so close to dodging the Delta variant but this week has seen an increase of cases in the local community which have spilled over into school. It has possibly been inevitable with many people having larger gatherings to watch the football. In the event of a positive LFD, please book a PCR test. As a school we respond to positive LFDs by informing close contacts to self-isolate and should the PCR return as negative, those close contacts will be informed that they no longer need to self-isolate. If your child is currently self-isolating and their self-isolation is due to end before the end of term next week, our advice is to get a PCR test before they return, to prevent any risk of having the virus and unwittingly spreading it. For one week only, there will be a mobile unit from Cheshire East Public Health in Asda carpark where you can get walk in PCR tests. There is no need to book. This provision is available to anyone who is experiencing Covid symptoms as well.
New regulations emerged this week from DfE with regard to re-starting school in September. As it currently stands, most key mitigations which have been in place for months and months will be dropped (mask-wearing in school and on transport, bubbles, social distancing, mixing of year groups, assemblies, etc). The only uncertainty is around a requirement for schools to oversee two LFD tests per pupil upon return. It is not clear what is expected around this issue, although it is most likely that testing will remain ‘voluntary’. The tests need to be three days apart and the DfE has said that schools can stagger the return of students to facilitate the tests. However, rather than make a hasty decision about how to logistically manage the first few days, I think it is prudent to wait on further clarification, either from DfE or from Cheshire East and Public Health England on how best to negotiate through what could potentially be a problematic start to the term. I will write to you to confirm what we need to do as soon as better information and greater clarity emerges.
We have been gripped by football fever this week. Having been a German teacher for more than 25 years and immersing myself in the culture, when we reached the final of the Euros on Wednesday, I finally got a sense of what it actually felt like to be German. Let’s hope that we continue that success on Sunday. I have had a few requests to start the day later on Monday morning but we are operating as normal and will keep an eye out for any bleary-eyed teenagers.
A reminder that school will close early on Friday 16th July, at 12:05. Bus companies have been informed and if your child is entitled to a free school meal, one can be collected from Best Bite at break time.
Whatever your plans are for the weekend, have a lovely rest and as always, thank you for your support.
“Anything from 1-0 to 2-0 would be a nice result.” (Bobby Robson)
