The Russett School

Covid 19: ‘Living with Covid’

New Guidance effective from 01.04.22:

• Routine testing is no longer expected in all education and children’s social care settings- we are no longer be provided with PCR and LFT tests, we are unfortunately unable to issue test kits.
• In the event of an outbreak, a local health protection team may advise some targeted outbreak testing or additional measures- all of our families will be notified of any changes in this instance.
• Face coverings are no longer required; although may be introduced in the event of an outbreak
• We will contact parents if we feel a pupil is unwell- particularly if the pupil is presenting with a high temperature (after three separate readings). Parents & Carers will be asked to collect their child as soon as possible as usual; they may wish to seek at test.
• Anyone with a positive COVID-19 test result will be advised to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for five days, which is when they are most infectious. For children and young people aged 18 and under, the current advice is three days.

If you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to call us and we will help if we can.

Government Guidance; Q & A for Parents & Carers 

Why are you no longer recommending Covid testing in schools, colleges or other education settings?

Following expert advice, we now know that Covid presents a low risk of serious illness to most children and young people, and most of those who are fully vaccinated.

Due to high immunity in society, a greater understanding of the virus and improved access to treatments, we can now focus on how we live with COVID-19.

That means we don’t expect pupils or staff in education settings to routinely test themselves for COVID-19.

Outbreak testing will be available in residential SEND settings where it is advised by the local health protection team, especially to counteract the risk of closure due to staff absence

Should my child still go to their childcare or education setting if they test positive for Covid?

No. From 1 April, anyone with a positive COVID-19 test result will be advised to try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for five days, which is when they are most infectious. For children and young people aged 18 and under, the advice is three days.

Will my child’s school or college still be taking measures to prevent Covid?

All settings should have in place baseline infection prevention and control measures that will help to manage the spread of infection:

• Ensuring all eligible groups are enabled and supported to take up the offer of national vaccination programmes including COVID-19 and flu.
• Ensuring occupied spaces are well-ventilated and let fresh air in.
• Reinforcing good hygiene practices such as hand washing and cleaning.

Key documents: