Dear Birchfield families
Welcome back as we start the new term together at Birchfield. We are very happy to be open and to be welcoming our children back into school. As you will be aware, there are a significant number of cases of COVID nationally and the new variant spreads very easily. Please be aware of the following information:
The new Omicron variant reportedly presents other symptoms including tiredness, headaches, and a sore throat. Whilst these are not officially confirmed, if your child is unwell, it is advisable to do a lateral flow test (LFT). If this is positive, they should then have a PCR test.
If children have Covid symptoms: a new continuous cough, loss of taste and smell, or a temperature, they should get a PCR test. They can then return to school if this is negative.
If someone in your household tests positive or if children are confirmed as a contact, children are still allowed to come to school but they should carry out an LFT test daily for 7 days. As long as these tests are negative and they are well, they can continue to come to school.
If your child receives a positive PCR test, they must isolate for at least 7 days. On days 6 and 7, they can do an LFT and if both are negative and they don’t have symptoms, they can return to school on day 8.
I hope this information is helpful and know that you will support us to keep our school community safe. If you do have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. The link below will take you to the latest guidance.
Stay at home: guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Mrs Z Thewlis
Head of School