We are working to keep our school as safe as possible. You may have heard that testing for those without coronavirus symptoms is beginning across the country using new, quicker COVID-19 tests known as ‘lateral flow tests’.  The government has given schools an additional INSET day to prepare for testing staff and students on site which will take place on 4 January 2021, followed by our planned curriculum INSET day which has now moved to Tuesday 5 January, on which day the school will be closed to students.

Further details about Covid testing and students’ return to school will be provided on Monday 4 January.  This is because we won’t know until Monday 4^th whether or not the test kits have arrived – the government has said they will arrive between 4^th and 6^th January.  We hope to begin welcoming students back on Wednesday 6^th, beginning with a Covid test on arrival.

Along with the other protective measures we are taking, these tests will help staff and students to remain in school safely. Up to one third of people who have coronavirus experience no symptoms. By testing we will help to stop the virus spread and help to keep our school open as safely as possible. The test is voluntary, but I would encourage everyone to take it.  We will be testing all staff and students who want to participate from week commencing 4^th January 2021.