The health, safety and wellbeing of our pupils and staff are important to us. We continue to take practical steps to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections within school.

Measures in place within school

The following measures are in place to help maintain a healthy learning environment:

• Air purification: Dyson air purifiers are located in classrooms.

• Ventilation: Staff are encouraged to open windows, where appropriate, to improve ventilation and allow fresh air into classrooms.

• Hand hygiene: Pupils and staff are encouraged to wash their hands regularly and use hand sanitiser where appropriate.

• Face coverings: Face coverings remain optional for pupils and staff within school buildings and on school transport.

When should pupils stay at home?

Attending school is hugely important for children's and young people's health, wellbeing and future education.

Pupils who have mild symptoms, such as a runny nose, sore throat or slight cough, can continue to attend school if they are otherwise well enough to do so.

Pupils who are unwell and have a high temperature should stay at home and avoid contact with others where possible. They can return to school when they no longer have a high temperature and feel well enough to attend.

What if a pupil tests positive for COVID-19?

Routine COVID-19 testing is not recommended for children and young people aged 18 and under unless advised by a health professional.

If a pupil aged 18 or under receives a positive COVID-19 test result, they should try to stay at home and avoid contact with others for three days after the day they took the test, if possible.

After three days, they can return to school if they feel well and no longer have a high temperature.

Pupils who live with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 can continue to attend school as normal, provided they are well enough to do so.

Helping to protect our school community

We ask parents and carers to support us by keeping children at home when they are unwell, encouraging regular handwashing and reminding children to cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing.

We will continue to review our arrangements in line with relevant public health advice.

For further information, please visit the GOV.UK guidance on respiratory infections, including COVID-19.