Thank you to parents, carers and students for your support over the last term in following our procedures to minimise the spread of COVID19. As we approach step three of the Government’s roadmap from next Monday 17 May, here are the details of what this means at Ryburn.
As a school we are still required to follow the guidance from the Department of Education (DfE), the Local Authority and Public Health England to minimise the risk of transmission of COVID-19. This guidance has been updated to reflect step three of the roadmap, but we still need to assess risk and continue a range of protective measures.
What is staying the same?
Protective measures
Important protective measures remain in place including: regular use of hand sanitiser, consistent groupings (known as bubbles), keeping students and staff apart as much as possible, and enhanced cleaning routines.
Regular at-home tests
Using your lateral flow tests remains a vital part of the approach to suppress the virus and it is imperative that if anyone displays symptoms of COVID19 that they self-isolate, along with other members of their household, and organise a PCR test. It is not appropriate to use lateral flow tests when individuals have symptoms of COVID19.
Students should continue to test at home twice a week, and report any positive tests to us immediately and on the GOV.UK site.
What is changing from 17 May?
Face coverings in classrooms
Face coverings will no longer be required for students in classrooms. Any student who wishes to wear a face covering can continue to do so but it will no longer be an expectation for all students. This is in line with the DfE updates.
Face coverings will still be required for students in communal areas and corridors, and on all buses.
Face coverings will still be worn by staff and visitors in situations outside of classrooms where social distancing is not possible (for example, when moving around in corridors and communal areas). This will include parents and carers entering the school grounds to collect/ drop-off students.
How long will these measures remain in place?
Rates in Calderdale remain above the national average, particularly in secondary schools, and while significantly lower than before the most recent lockdown, they are still being monitored closely. We will review this decision before the start of the Summer term and continue to work closely with Calderdale Public Health and the DfE.
We’re delighted to begin to ease some of the restrictions and are eager to return to normal school life. As ever, we wish to exercise caution and put the health and safety of our school community first.
We thank you for your continued support.