Over St. John's CE Primary SchoolHead Teacher Blog: Friday 7th January 2022
Date: 7th Jan 2022 @ 11:22am
Happy New Year! I do hope that you all managed to have a gorgeous Christmas and holiday with your families and were able to get a break from all that is going on in everyday life. We have all settled well back into school and been very busy. Over the last couple of weeks there have been some important changes to the government guidance around COVID, which I have detailed below. Please do take the time to read this information and think about how it affects your household.
Changes to Self-Isolation Rules for those who test Positive
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.
With the day of your positive test LFD with no symptoms, or the first day of you having symptoms being day 0 (whichever comes first), individuals may now take LFD tests on day 6 and day 7 of their self-isolation period. Those who receive a negative test result each day 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 the second test must be taken 24 hours later. This also applies to children under 5, with LFD testing at parental or guardian discretion. 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 normal life from the negative test on day 7.
Anyone who is unable to take LFD tests or who record a positive result, will need to complete the full 10 day period of self-isolation.
Further information, including examples of when to end self-isolation if you have had COVID-19 symptoms, is available in the stay at home: guidance for households with possible or confirmed COVID-19 infection.
Confirmatory PCR tests to be temporarily suspended for positive LFD test results
The need to have a PCR test following a positive LFD test result are to be temporarily suspended from Tuesday 11 January. This will mean that anyone who receives a positive LFD test result will be required to self-isolate immediately and will not be required to take a confirmatory PCR test.
COVID Guidance Reminder for 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 seven days and continue to attend their setting as normal, unless they have a positive test result or develop symptoms at any time.
Children under 5 are not being advised to take part in daily testing of close contacts. If a child under 5 is a contact of a confirmed case, they are not required to self-isolate and should not start daily testing. If they live in the same household as someone with COVID-19 they should limit their contact with anyone who is at higher risk of severe illness if infected with COVID-19 and arrange to take a PCR test as soon as possible. They can continue to attend an education or childcare setting while waiting for the PCR result. If the test is positive, they should follow the stay at home: guidance for households with possible or confirmed COVID-19 infection.
And now for some non-COVID news!
#WakeUpWednesday
Fortnite is one of those rare titles which breaks through from the gaming world to create a wider cultural impact. This success was swiftly monetised, of course, leading to Fortnite action figures, plush toys, branded clothing, stationery, bedspreads and the like. The nature of these products hints at a sizeable proportion of the game’s fans being below the recommended age limit of 12.
So how much of a danger does Fortnite pose to its younger players? For starters, the game is fundamentally about using an array of weaponry to eliminate a stream of enemies. This week’s National Online Safety #WakeUpWednesday guide outlines, however, on-screen violence is far from the highest concern – with potential issues over in-app purchasing, scams and toxic behaviour from other players.
Children’s Flu Vaccine
If any adult wishes their child to have their Flu Vaccine as they were not able to have it when the nurses came to school, there is a clinic this Saturday 8th of January 2022 at Wharton Children’s Centre or a clinic at Victoria Road Children’s Centre on Saturday 15th of January 2022.
You will need to book a slot by contacting 01606 555285.
Flags for Hope
We have been asked to share some information with you from the local council regarding the design of ‘Flags for Hope’ that all Winsford residents can get involved in – please see the information attached below.
Applying for Primary School Places for September 2022
If you have a child who is turning 4 years old between now and 31st August 2022, or know of a child who is, then the application round is open to apply for their Reception place for which you have until 15th January 2022. Before making your application, it is important you view the Starting School booklet. Results are available from 16th April 2022. To apply, you will need to create an account or log in if you have an existing online account.
School Dinners
School dinners cost £2.34 per day, £11.70 per week. Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 receive free meals as part of the government’s Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) scheme. Dinner money must be paid in advance via School Spider.
If you are in receipt of benefits and think that you may be entitled to free school meals, please click here for more information and support and how to apply. It is very important to apply for free school meals whatever year your child is in, even if you receive the UIFSM in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, as the school receives a sum of extra money to further help support your child and their education.
Absence During Term Time
Please may I remind you that schools are not allowed to authorise pupil holidays in term time. Any child going on holiday in term time will receive an unauthorised absence. Our registers are regularly checked by the Education Welfare Service and parents may be issued with a fine from the Local Authority for unauthorised absence, which is currently £60 per child, per parent and this rises to £120 if paid after 21 days but within 28 days.
Confirmed Dates for the Spring Term 2022 – new dates highlighted
Wednesday 12th January: Year 2 swimming starts – information has been sent home
Tuesday 15th February: Pupil Consultation Evening 4pm – 6pm
Thursday 17th February: Pupil Consultation Evening 3.15pm – 5.15pm
Friday 18th February: School closes at the usual time for half term
Tuesday 1st March: School re-opens at the usual time
Friday 1st April: Easter Service at 9.15am
Friday 1st April: School closes at 2pm
Have a lovely weekend.
Take care,
Mrs E Snowdon