Phased reopening of school from Monday 8 March

In line with Government guidance, we will begin to welcome students back to school on a phased return from w/c Monday 8 March.

From Monday 8 March, we will invite students into school to conduct lateral flow tests (subject to parental consent) to identify any asymptomatic cases of COVID-19, once they have been tested they will be expected to go straight home and continue online learning. The dates which your child is expected to attend school to get tested and the date in which they return full time to school can be found below:

Home learning will continue from Monday 8 March - Friday 12 March, although the teacher component will be suspended.

Individual Return to School info

Year 7 Return to School

Year 8 Return to School

Year 9 return to School

Year 10 return to School

Year 11 return to School

Year 12 return to School

Year 13 return to School

Lateral Flow Testing

All students should arrive via the main student entrance on Elsa Road. Students will be directed to the Hard Court to wait before being called to complete their Lateral Flow Test in the Sports Hall. Students receive a card that explains how they register via the NHS in order to get their test result. The school will only communicate to parent/carers if there is a positive result.

Some parent/carers have expressed concerns about their child administering a Lateral Flow Test. I do understand your concerns. When we introduced on site testing for staff and students who were accessing the school provision we were not sure what to expect. However, from my personal experience, I know the tests are not as bad as you might think. Putting the swab in your mouth or nose, whilst not enjoyable, does not hurt. There are also trained staff who are able to offer further support for students if they require. We also know that Lateral Flow Tests are an important way of making our school safer for the whole community and by students playing their part, every one of us will benefit. If you are still concerned I strongly encourage you to contact the school to discuss further.

Face Coverings

This week the Government has sent out updated guidance regarding the wearing of face coverings in school. Before the Christmas break all students were wearing a face covering, unless they had an exemption card, in communal areas inside the school. The guidance has now been extended and it says “face coverings should be worn in classrooms or during activities unless social distancing can be maintained.”

This means that face coverings are mandatory for staff and students outside the classroom (when inside the building) and in classrooms. This does not apply in situations where wearing a face covering would impact the ability to take part in exercise or strenuous activity, for example in PE lessons.

Similarly to the Autumn term, it is not compulsory for students to wear a face covering if parent/carers have contacted the school and the student has an exemption card. If the school is not aware of a child’s circumstances we will follow up if they are not wearing a face covering. To help make sure all students have a face covering the school has purchased one reusable face covering which will be given to each child when they return to school. It is the responsibility of parent/carers to make sure their child has a face covering but we hope this action will be helpful.

We continue to face a number of unknowns but we are confident that we have a reopening plan that is achievable. Students should expect to see the same control measures that were in place during the autumn term and these will be shared again with students. If you have further questions following this letter please contact your child’s Head of Year or Care & Guidance Assistant. You can also contact the school on enquiries@wellingschool-tkat.org and your email will be directed to the appropriate person.

Phased reopening of school from Monday 8 March

Individual Return to School info

Lateral Flow Testing

Face Coverings

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