School Staff COVID19 Testing

 

As explained in a previous update, staff are now self-testing for COVID19 twice a week. We have asked staff to test on Sunday and Wednesday evenings. 

 

These are lateral flow tests (LFD) and are being used to identify cases in schools. I am relieved to report that the majority of school staff have now administered four LFD tests each and they have all been negative.

 

In the event of a positive test, the member of staff will need to complete a PCR test at a test centre to confirm the result. 

For this reason, we have the following response in place:

 

1. If a member of staff tests positive with their LFD, we will ask all members of their bubble and close contacts to isolate in line with Government policy until the test is confirmed or overturned by the PCR test.
2. If the PCR test is also positive, then the isolation period of 10 days for all close contacts will continue (Public Health will support us in establishing the start date of the 10 day period)
3. If the PCR test is negative, the bubble and close contacts can return to school the day after the result is confirmed.
4.  

It is highly likely that a positive LFD test will result in a positive PCR test.

 

We believe this approach is the best way to keep our community safe and is also in line with public health advice. 

 

Laptops – our DfE allocation has arrived!

 

We have received our batch of Chromebooks ready for Home Learning.  These can be requested by emailing the Junior School Office (JuniorEnquiries@stsaviours.bwmat.org). The number is limited and we may need to prioritise distribution, but we will consider all families who need an extra device.

 

More information can be found here (please click the two ‘loaning laptop’ documents under the COVID19 section).

 

Home Learning

We have captured our Home Learning approach in a new poster that can be found here.

 

BT Wi-Fi codes

After a successful application to BT, we have received 60 Wi-Fi codes for families to use for Home Learning. These codes access local Wi-Fi hotspots across the country and are available for free by emailing the Infant School Office (InfantEnquiries@stsaviours.bwmat.org).

 

Before requesting a Wi-Fi code, please check the local Wi-Fi spots will reach your premises by checking your postcode here.

 

Free School Meal (FSM) Vouchers over half term

FSM vouchers will be available from BANES Council for eligible families over the February half term. A separate email was sent to families earlier this week. Please let us know if you have not received this. 

 

Thrive

To help you through lockdown, Thrive have pulled together some hints and tips in their first, FREE release of the Thrive-Online Parent Toolkit. It is specially designed for parents with children aged 4 to 11 years, and could be useful for anyone.

The parent toolkit provides:

  • Information and an animation explaining the different, age-related stages of a child’s social and emotional development
  • Short films showing two families sharing the impact this knowledge of Thrive has had on them
  • Hints and tips for looking after yourselves
  • Carefully selected, age-appropriate strategies and activities for you to try with your children at home
  • A facility for you to expand and personalise the toolkit for you and your children.

 

Please see Sara’s page on the website, linked here, or the document linked to the email sent out on Wednesday for information on how to register to use this toolkit. 

 

SEND Webpage 

Don’t forget to visit Sara’s webpage. The page link is here.

 

Sara is regularly updating this page with useful links and information for children and families.

 

Captain Sir Tom Moore – a special assembly

Next week’s ‘Huge St Saviour’s Assembly’ (Wednesday @11am live on Teams) will be a special assembly celebrating the achievements of Captain Sir Tom Moore and setting a small challenge for all children to take part in, in memory of Captain Tom. Captain Tom recently raised over £32 million pounds for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100^th birthday and has sadly died at the age of 100 this week. Join us live on Microsoft Teams to be part of this assembly and find out what our commemorative challenge will be. 

 

Severe weather and school closure

In the case of Severe Weather or other School Closures, please visit our website and social media accounts. 

 

We aim to update the school website's scrolling banner at the top of the page, update Facebook, update Twitter and send out an email.

 

When we are making the decision to close the schools due to severe weather, we have to consider both the weather locally, and the ability of teachers to travel safely to school. Therefore, weather in Larkhall might appear reasonable but due to the distance some teachers have to travel, the schools may still close. 

 

Please note that in some circumstances we might be unable to use all these methods of communication so please check all sources. 

 

Please click here to visit our website page about school closures due to severe weather.