Dear Parents/Carers
Following the recent changes in legislation regarding Covid-19, I wanted to write to you and provide an update on how the ongoing challenges presented by the virus continue to be met by our school.
Case rates within the Cardiff and Vale region have been climbing over the past few weeks. The rise in cases continues to present challenges with staffing and, as a last resort, there may be instances of class closures due to self-isolation and illness etc. In such cases, and wherever possible, school staff have continued to deliver online learning, to minimise disruption to pupils.
From Monday, 28 March, the legal requirement for self-isolation and use of face coverings in public areas is no longer in effect. However, while the legislation has changed, the current Operational Guidance for schools has not changed. Covid-19 has not gone away and continues to present challenges. While we continue to work through the transition in line with the Welsh Government’s strategy of living with Covid-19, it is still strongly advised that anyone with classic Covid-19 symptoms continue to take a test, and that in the interests of public health, anyone with a positive test continue to self-isolate. Details on the current guidance in relation to self-isolation can be found online at www.gov.wales/self-isolation.
Currently, any pupil who tests positive for Covid-19 will be asked to not attend school. This is because a Covid-19 infection will be treated like any other communicable disease (e.g., Norovirus) and school can recommend certain measures to protect the health and safety of other pupils and staff. This is not an exclusion but an authorised absence.
Schools are continuing to operate as per the Welsh Government Covid-19 Local Decision Framework. We will continue to monitor and review are Covid-19 arrangements on a regular basis and are taking proportional responses based on local infection rates, to balance the need for face-to-face learning, and keeping our schools a safe environment.
You can help us to continue to disrupt the transmission of the virus by:
- Self-isolating when you feel unwell
- Wearing masks in crowded places
- Keeping up to date with your vaccinations
Continuing with protective behaviours is important and will help to minimise exposure to and spread of Covid-19, as well as other respiratory infections and other diseases.
If you have any of the main symptoms of COVID-19, you should self-isolate and take a lateral flow test (LFT). You can order LFTs online at www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests or call 119 between 7am and 11pm (calls are free).
The main symptoms of COVID-19 continue to be:
- a high temperature
- a continuous cough
- loss or change of taste or smell
The next few months will see further work in transitioning to Welsh Government’s Living with Covid-19 strategy, and we will continue to do everything we can to ensure a safe school environment. We are grateful for your ongoing support and will continue to provide updates as they become available. Should you have any specific queries regarding attendance, please contact Treganna.
