Children returning on Monday 8^th March 2021

We are very much looking forward to welcoming back all of our staff and pupils on Monday 8^th March. Since the announcement was made for schools to return we have been busy reviewing our risk assessments and procedures to ensure everyone comes back as safely as possible.

Parental Support with COVID 19 Health and Safety

Parents are asked to continue to support the health and safety of St Helen’s community by adhering to the government’s guidance as required by the school and outlined in our COVID risk assessment and procedures:

• Parents monitor if their child or anyone in the household has symptoms of COVID19 (e.g. a high temperature; a new, continuous cough; or a loss or change to their sense of smell/taste)
• If the child or anyone in the household shows symptoms of COVID-19, they will not send the child to school and will self-isolate for the appropriate length of time set out by the government
• If the child shows symptoms of COVID-19 in school, the parent will collect the child as soon as possible
•  If the child shows symptoms of COVID-19, parents will have them take a test and, if they test positive, inform the school and work with the NHS test and trace system to identify anyone who’s recently been in close contact with the child (the school does not share the personal details of anyone who tests positive with others)
• Parents do their best to avoid public transport in peak hours when taking their child to and from school, and will wear face coverings if this isn’t possible (unless the child is under the age of 11, as this does not apply to them)
• When dropping off and picking up children: Parents will only enter the school premises wearing face coverings, will be on time and stick to the timings for their child, use the designated entrance and adhere to the social distancing rules set out by the government and leave school immediately after
• Parents will not enter the school building without a pre-arranged appointment and will wear a face covering unless exempt
• Ensure children do not bring any other items to school other than those required
• Remind the child about good hygiene practices such as: regularly washing their hands thoroughly; avoiding touching their eyes, nose or mouth; and coughing or sneezing into their elbow or a tissue, and disposing immediately of any used tissues
• Support the school’s procedures for a safe working environment and not excuse poor behaviour which puts the health and safety of others at risk or affects the educational entitlement of others

Parents should also refresh themselves with the full school COVID Risk Assessment and procedures which can be found below.

When the children return, whilst we will make sure we complete up to date assessments to ensure we are able to address any gaps in learning, we will also be focusing on the social and emotional reconnection with our children and families. We want to welcome the children back with the message of warmth, calm and optimism with a great big virtual hug so they know they were very much missed and are very much loved by their family at St Helen’s.

Our sense of community and togetherness has only grown stronger through trust and partnership during these difficult times and your support for the school, the appreciation of our hard working and dedicated staff and your fabulous commitment to your children has been truly amazing. Thank you!