COVID 19 INFORMATION

COVID UPDATES - April 25th 2022

Schools are no longer recommending pupils to be tested for covid even if they have symptoms. As a result, children will be asked to stay off if they are poorly and return to school when they are well enough. If a child does test positive for covid, the national guidance is stating that children should stay off school for a minimum of 3 days as this is the period in which they are most infectious. Children can return after this period if they are well enough. There is now no need to re-test to see if they are still positive.

COVID UPDATES - Letter from Public Health (21st March 2022)

Following a number of quiet weeks with no cases of covid reported at Parkfield, we have now noticed a sudden increase in the number of positive cases over the past week. This seems to be the case across the borough and the letter below from the Public Health team in Rochdale gives a little more detailed information.

PUPILS TESTING POSITIVE - REMINDER (21st January 2022)

In line with the new government rules, children may now return to school on day 6 following a positive test result as long as they have tested negative on two LFD tests and have no symtoms on days 5 and 6 (24 hours apart). Please note that day 1 is counted as the day after symtoms or the day the test was taken. Please contact school if your child does test negative and will be returning on day 6. For those that don't complete the lateral flow test, children have to remain off school for the full 10 days. Please note that in some circumstances, we may ask pupils to remain off school for the full 10 days but this will depend on the risk to individuals in each class. The diagram below may help you understand the current rules a little better.

COVID RISK ASSESSMENT UPDATES (4th January 2022)

Due to the high levels of covid at the moment we're going to unfortunately restrict any events that involve a large number of parents in the school. Where possible, we will make acess to events virtual - such as through the use of zoom or live streaming. The safety of staff and pupils is our number one priority at the moment.

CLOSE CONTACTS

A reminder that if your child is close contact, the guidance suggests for them to take a Lateral Flow Test for 7 days. Thanks for your support with this as we have had many family members testing positive over the festive period.

POSITVE TEST RESULT?

In line with the new government rules, children can now return to school on day 8 following a positive test result as long as they have tested negative on two lateral flow tests on days 6 and 7 (24 hours apart). Please contact school if your child does test negative and will be returning on day 8. For those that don't complete the lateral flow test, children have to remain off school for the full 10 days.

What happens if there is a positive case in the school? (10th September 2021)

When a Parkfield member of staff or child tests positive we will not close the class bubble but we will send out a 'Warn and Inform' letter to all close contacts. This will include members of the same class and any other children across the school that may have had close contact such as before and afetr school club.

The letter informs parents and carers that a PCR test is recommended for their child and they can continue to attend school whilst they await results. It also states that if their child does develop symptoms, they should stay off school and get a PCR test.

Risk Assessment Addendum (1st September 2021)

Outbreak Management Plan (1st September 2021)

School Re-opening Parent Information (1st September 2021)

COVID RESTRICTION CHANGES

In line with government guidance, many restrictions have been removed for the new school year. These include:

• No more bubbles. Children can now mix during break and lunchtimes.

• Children no longer have to isolate if they are identified as a close contact.

• Whole school assemblies to return.

• School is not responsible for contract tracing.

• Face coverings are no longer advised - although we will ask parents and carers to wear a mask if they come into the school building.

COVID RESTRICTIONS REMAINING

To reduce the possible spread of the virus some restrictions are still in place and it's important that you support the school and the community by continuing to follow the rules in place. These include:

• Pupils to remain at home if they are poorly.

• School will refuse permission to pupils displaying covid symptoms and ask them to have a PCR test. A negative result must be presented to school before the child can be re-admitted.

• Ventilation within the school will be a priority.

• Continued use of hand sanitiser and hand washing.

• Promoting good hygiene through catch it, bin it, kill it message.

• Staff will continue to test twice weekly using LFT's.

• Remote learning will continue for those pupils that are unable to attend due to self isolation or restrictions on attendance. Remote learning information can be found on this page: https://curriculum.parkfieldprimary.com/remote-education

OUTBREAK MANAGEMENT PLAN

It is important to note that if there are a number of positive cases within the school we have in place an 'Outbreak' management plan to help reduce further the possibility of transmission. This includes bringing back some of the restrictions that we have had in place over the past year and include: return of class bubbles, no/reduced assemblies, use of face coverings by all staff. Please note that there is still the possibility that a whole class bubble will be sent home for a period of time.

Public Health Updates (29th June 2021)

Please see below some updates from the public health team at Rochdale. They're reiterating the messages we have been sending out in our recent newsletters.

Bubbles and Social Distancing:

All schools are using the bubble system. This limits the amount of people each child will have contact with and therefore limits the spread of the virus. However, the size of these bubbles will differ between schools. Each school has done an individual risk assessment, reviewed by Public Health, taking into account the age and educational needs of the children, class sizes and size and layout of classrooms/buildings and facilities.

Testing and Contact Tracing:

National guidance states that any individual with the three main covid symptoms (a new continuous cough, high temperature or a loss of/change in sense of smell) should stay at home and arrange to have a test. Due to high covid rates in Rochdale, we encourage anyone with symptoms on the extended list* to also take a test and/or isolate until symptom free. The school has the right to enforce this if they are concerned your child may be a suspected case of covid.

If your child tests positive for covid-19, they and their household must isolate for 10 full days.

If your child is identified as a contact of someone with covid-19, they must isolate for 10 full days, starting the day after they last had contact with the positive person. If the person has tested positive on a Lateral Flow/LFD test, the bubble will be asked to isolate immediately, whilst the positive individual takes a PCR test to confirm. If the PCR test result is negative, the case and contacts can come out of isolation.

Your household does not need to isolate if your child is a contact, unless they develop symptoms or test positive.

PCR Testing for Contacts:

Due to the current high rates of covid in the borough, we are asking that anyone who has been identified as a contact takes a PCR test (unless they have had a positive PCR test in the last 90 days). This will help us to reduce the risk of further transmission of the virus, and to identify positive individuals who are asymptomatic (do not have symptoms). You can book a test online at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test and selecting the following option:

o My local council or health protection team has asked me to get a test, even though I do not have symptoms

If you do not have internet access, you can also book a test by calling 119.

Isolation and Support:

We understand that isolation can have a financial impact on families. If you or your child need to isolate, you may be eligible for a £500 payment under the Test & Trace Support Payment Scheme.

Information on financial and other support available from the council can be found at: http://www.rochdale.gov.uk/coronavirus or by calling: 0300 303 8870 (for financial support) or 01706 923685 (for other support, e.g. food, medication, wellbeing)

Useful Information: NHS isolation guidance: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment

Guidance for household contacts: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance

Guidance for non-household contacts: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-for-contacts-of-people-with-possible-or-confirmed-coronavirus-covid-19-infection-who-do-not-live-with-the-person/guidance-for-contacts-of-people-with-possible-or-confirmed-coronavirus-covid-19-infection-who-do-not-live-with-the-person

Information on Covid-19 Vaccinations: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination

Government Covid-19 Roadmap: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-spring-2021/covid-19-response-spring-2021-summary

Guidance for parents and carers on schools, colleges and early years providers: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak

*List of Covid-19 Symptoms

· fever

· a new and continuous cough

· shortness of breath

· fatigue

· loss of appetite

· loss of smell

· loss of taste

· shortness of breath

· fatigue

· loss of appetite

· myalgia

· sore throat

· headache

· nasal congestion

· diarrhoea

· nausea

· vomiting

HOME TESTING KITS (18th March 2021)

Home testing kits are now available for our families.

As part of the government’s roll out of regular testing to support the return to school for all pupils, testing packs for those in regular, sustained contact with school children are now available for collection from the following testing centre locations in the borough:

• Rochdale - in the car park at Rochdale Leisure Centre, Entwisle Road, Rochdale OL16 2HZ.

• Middleton - in the marquee on the Market Place Car Park next to Middleton Arena, Old Hall Street, Middleton M24 1AG.

• Heywood - Heywood Civic Centre, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood OL10 1LW.

They can be collected any day 13:30 – 19:00, no booking required. The intention is that more locations are going to be added and we will share details of this once they are known.

The packs contain 7 tests for use at home and it is recommended that you are tested at least twice a week.

Any individual who has sustained contact with school children is eligible for these packs, that includes:

• Households of school children

• Members of support bubbles

• Childcare providers

• Those in related occupations where they come into sustained contact with school children

You can still attend regular FAST Testing at one of our many sites across the borough if you do not wish to take up the home testing offer. Find out more at rochdale.gov.uk/FastTesting

Regular testing is still really important as we continue to live with Covid-19 and the vaccine is being rolled out.

If anyone has symptoms they must book on to a PCR test by dialling 119 or visiting gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test

CORONAVIRUS REMINDERS (5th March 2021)

Although children are back in school, coronavirus is still prevalent in the community and our systems of control are still in place. Please help us by:

• Continuing to wear face masks in the school yard.

• Have only one adult drop off/pick up where possible.

• Not coming into the school office area unless essential. You can contact school via phone/email.

• Ensuring those pupils showing signs of coronavirus do not attend school and get tested.

• Let school know immediately if the household are self isolating due to either someone showing symptoms are being a confirmed close contact.

• Not having friends round at each others houses including sleep overs.

• Support your child with home learning if they are fit and well and having to self isolate.

Updated Risk Assessment (5th March 2021)

We have updated our risk assessment in response to the wider opening of the school on March 8th 2021. Please see the bottom of the page for the document.

FAST Testing (Updated 29th January 2021)

FAST Testing, which use lateral flow tests, is available for anyone who lives or works in the borough and cannot work from home.

Testing is free, there is no need to book and is only for people who show no symptoms.

If you do have symptoms you need to book a covid-19 test through the NHS – details of how to do this can be found here – rochdale.gov.uk/Coronavirus

FAST testing is available at the following sites:

• Rochdale – Nye Bevan House

• Heywood – Heywood Sports Village (both a walk in site and a drive through site)

• Middleton – Bowlee Sports Centre

• Pennines – Hare Hill Bowling Club

(Please note that disabled parking is in the park outside the bowling club. All other parking is at Littleborough Cricket Club on Denhurst Road. Vaccinations are taking place at Littleborough Sports Club. Please bear in mind when planning your journey that Littleborough Primary School is obviously open)

Sites are open 8am-7pm Monday to Friday and 10am – 4pm at weekends.

We recommend that you get tested twice a week.

For more information on FAST Testing please visit rochdale.gov.uk/FastTesting.

National Lockdown (Updated 5th January 2021)

In response to the National Lockdown, only children of 'critical workers' and those classed as vulnerable will be able to attend school. All other children will have to remain at home. School will put in place a blended learning approach to enable all pupils to access the school curriculum. Please see https://curriculum.parkfieldprimary.com/home-learning for further information.

Please note that there have been a small number of changes to the 'Risk Assessment Addendum' (see below).

Self Isolation Period (Updated 16th December 2020)

In line with new government guidelines, the period of self isolation, if you have been a close contact, has been reduced from 14 to 10 days.

Staff use of face coverings (Updated November 5th 2020)

Please be aware that all staff are now wearing a face covering (mask or visor) whilst in internal communal areas. This is to reduce the risk of adult - adult transmission of the virus.

What do we do if a member of the household is showing symptoms of Coronavirus? (Update 6th October)

The person showing symptoms must get a test (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-and-tracing/get-a-test-to-check-if-you-have-coronavirus/) and the whole household must isolate until they get a result. Please call school before 9am and let us know that your child is self isolating.

FAQ Updates (Updated 16th September 2020)

If a child has COVID-19 symptoms, gets tested and tests negative, can they return to school even if they still have symptoms?

If the child is NOT a known contact of a confirmed case the child can return to school if the result is negative, provided they feel well.

If the child is a contact of a confirmed case they must stay off school for the 14 day isolation period, even if they test negative. This is because they can develop the infection at any point up to day 14 (the incubation period for COVID-19), so if a child tests negative on day 3 they may still go on to develop the infection.

Should children with diarrhoea and vomiting be considered possible cases of COVID19?

No. The clinical definition for COVID19 still remains the same; new and continuous cough, fever and loss of taste or smell. The case definition is kept under review and guidance will be updated if the case definition changes. If a child has diarrhoea and/or vomiting they should remain off school while symptomatic and are free of symptoms for 48 hours. They do not meet the case definition for testing for COVID19.

Should children with respiratory symptoms not in the case definition (e.g. sore throat, congestion) be considered possible cases of COVID19?

No. The clinical definition for COVID19 still remains the same; new and continuous cough, fever and loss of taste or smell. The case definition is kept under review and guidance will be updated if the case definition changes. If a child has other respiratory symptoms then they should remain off while symptomatic. Guidance on exclusion periods for common childhood diseases can be found here

COVID-19 BOOKING SYSTEM (updated 16th September 2020)

Due to severe issues with the national COVID-19 test booking system, which are beyond the council’s control, the government has asked us to close our booking helpline, which we had set up to help our residents get tested more easily.

You must now visit nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119 to book a test.

People cannot just turn up and they must have symptoms to be tested.

If a pupil, student or staff member develops one or more of the main coronavirus symptoms, only they should be tested. There is no need for their households to have a test, unless they are also symptomatic.

Letter Home for those individual pupils that are Self Isolating (Updated 15th September 2020)

Home Learning Letter – Individual

Dear Parent/Carer

Whilst your child is self-isolating we will be providing them with work to complete on a daily basis. It is important that your child tries their best to complete this work.

The class teacher will be setting the vast majority of work using our online platform Showbie. Your child will be familiar with Showbie and be used to logging in. These login details are available at the front of each child’s personal organiser.

If you have any issues with home learning, please contact homelearning@parkfieldprimary.com and a member of staff will support you.

Daily ‘Check Up’ Video Call

We want daily contact with children that are off school self-isolating. We understand it will be difficult for them at home, whilst their friends are in school, and we hope that the call will help them socially and emotionally through this period. A link will be sent to your email so that your child can access a video call with a member of Parkfield staff. The call is just to see how they are and if they’re coping OK with the work that is being set.

If your child does not attend the video call, a member of staff will be phoning home.

Home Learning

Our aim is to ensure your child does not fall behind in their learning whilst they’re off school. Therefore, any task we ask your child to complete will be linked closely to the curriculum being offered in the classroom. We are using a number of different approaches when setting work. As a result, your child may be asked to:

• Complete an online task that gives immediate feedback

• Read the flipchart from a lesson being delivered in class

• Complete a worksheet online

• Join a lesson taking place live within the classroom through video conferencing. The class teacher will be able to share their screen and your child will be able to listen to the teaching taking place.

• Watch videos completed by a member of staff

• Watch a video linked to what they’re learning within the classroom

• Join whole school assemblies from home

• Share work completed by taking a photograph and uploading to Showbie

• Access https://curriculum.parkfieldprimary.com/home-learning for additional tasks

If your child is unable to access Showbie because of poor internet access or not having the appropriate hardware (i.e. laptop, tablet, phone) please let us know immediately and we’ll be able to help.

Thank you in advance for your support. We understand that self-isolation will be challenging for many families and we are here to support you if required.

Letter Home (Updated 14th September 2020)

FACE COVERINGS TO BE WORN AT DROP OFF AND PICK UP (Updated 8th September)

In line with local guidelines and the Local Authority, we've had to review our risk assessment and been told that all adults coming onto the school site must wear a face covering whilst dropping off and picking up children. We hope you adhere to the rules, which are being put in place at schools across the local authority, to help keep others and yourself safe. Please don't make other parents/carers feel uncomfortable on the school grounds by not wearing a face covering. Those exempt from wearing a covering will not need to wear one.

This will be in place from immediate effect.

Face Coverings (Updated 30th August 2020)

The guidance for the use of face coverings is constantly changing and currently primary school children are not required to wear a face covering. However, members of staff may wear a face covering in communal areas or when they're working with or supervising children that aren't in their bubble.

Measures being taken at Before and After School Club (Updated 28th August 2020)

To keep everyone safe that attends before and after school club we are putting the following measures in place:

• Both Early Birds and Busy Bees will take place in the hall.

• Only children that pre-book onto a club can attend. There will be a limited number of places available.

• Parents are not to use the school car park when dropping off and picking up. Please walk through the playground and drop off at the hall entrance (red gated area). Do not come into the school building.

• All children will be asked to sanitise/wash their hands before entering and when going to class.

• Pupils will be kept in consistent groups along with their classmates.

• Sharing of resources will be kept to a minimum and will only be shared within their group.

• Food will be prepared and served appropriately to reduce risk.

• The tables and chairs being used by the children will be thoroughly cleaned before and after they arrive.

• KS2 children will have to use their class toilet if required. KS1 children will use the Y3/5 toilets.

• Parents to pay using School Gateway where possible. If using cash, it must be placed in a labelled envelope.

Video for Pupils Before September Return (Updated 19th August 2020)

If your child is a little anxious or unsure about returning in September, Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership have produced a lovely 3 minute video explaining what school will be like in September. The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/ruoq7hK-e34

Re-Opening - September 2020 (Updated 17th July 2020)

The list below includes a great number of measures. However, we aim to implement them in a way that makes children feel comfortable and ensures Parkfield is still the positive, happy and relaxed environment it always has been.

Four Main Preventative Measures

The following measures 'must' be in place at all schools, including Parkfield:

1. Minimise contact with individuals who are unwell by ensuring that those who have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms, or who have someone in their household who does, do not attend school

2. Clean hands thoroughly more often than usual

3. Ensure good respiratory hygiene by promoting the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach

4. Introduce enhanced cleaning, including cleaning frequently touched surfaces often, using standard products such as detergents and bleach

Social Distancing and 'Bubbles'

• At Parkfield we will minimise the contact between individuals and keep children in class bubbles that do not mix with other classes.

• There is no requirement for social distancing between pupils whilst they're in their 'bubbles' and as a result we can have all pupils back in one classroom. Where possible, staff will socially distance from children within the classroom and not sit face-face with pupils for long periods of time.

• Although this will be limited, staff will be able to move between classrooms and work with different groups of children. This is necessary for the smooth running of the school and is required for cover and teacher PPA time.

Classrooms

• In KS2, tables will be set up in rows with children facing the front. In KS1, there will be a little more flexibility so that pupils aren't worried about the layout and so that it supports the learning of the younger pupils.

• In years 1-6 there will be a 'no-go zone' at the front of the class where children can't stand. This has worked well over the past few months and helps protect members of staff.

• Pupils will have their own resources that only they can use, such as pencils, rulers, scissors and pencil crayons. These will be stored in trays or a pencil case. All resources will be provided by school - children must not bring any items in from home.

• As per usual, all children will have their own water bottle provided by school. However, these must be taken home each night, cleaned and returned full of water in the morning. Unfortunately, the shared water fountains within school will not be in use.

• Items, such as reading books can now be taken home and brought back to school. At school, we will make sure that these items are not shared between classes.

• There will be limited sharing of resources across classes, such as art materials and books. Any items that have to be shared, such as ipads, will be thoroughly cleaned beforehand.

• In reception, soft furnishings will be removed from the class but children will have access to many resources that only their 'bubble' will share. These items, such as the those found in the home corner, will be regularly cleaned.

• In all classrooms, windows and doors will be left open for additional ventilation.

Dropping off and Picking Up

• We have decided not to stagger the start and finish time of the school day. We will continue to open the doors at 8.45am and 3.15pm. Please be patient as we do expect entering and leaving school to take a little while longer.

• To reduce the numbers of people on the playground, we are asking that only one parent or carer comes onto the school grounds when dropping off and picking up. We will make an exception to this rule for those brand new reception parents that are dropping their children off for the very first time on Thursday September 3rd. This is a special moment we don't want you to miss out on!

• An area for members of staff to stand, close to the school building, will be marked clearly on the playground. Teachers/teaching assistants will call their class and collect them from this area. Classes will only be allowed to enter once called to reduce the number of children entering at any one point.

• Areas on each playground for parents/carers and their children to stand whilst waiting will be identified. There will be plenty of space for parents to socially distance on the yard.

• Please ensure children do not go on the play equipment before and after school. These will be used on a rota basis by particular bubbles during school time.

Before and After School Club (Early Birds and Busy Bees)

• Early Bird and Busy Bees club will take place in the hall during the Autumn term from the usual times of 7.30am - 8.45am and 3.15pm - 5.30pm. Parents are to drop off and pick up at the fire doors (new 'red cage') next to the main school entrance.

• The hall will be split into areas to accommodate pupils from each class bubble. Children must stay within their allocated areas and maintain social distancing from members of other classes.

• These groups will have their own resources, games, breakfast items, plates, cutlery, ipads...etc.

• Space is limited and as a result places must be booked beforehand. Contact the school office to book a place.

Large Gatherings

• Assemblies will not take place in the hall as classes can't mix with one another. However, we will continue regular virtual assemblies to bring the school together as a community. This unfortunately means that no class assemblies and parent events will take place for the foreseeable.

Uniform

• All pupils will return to wearing normal school uniform from September. The guidance explains that there is no need to wash uniform more regularly than normal. A reminder about uniform requirements can be found here: https://www.parkfieldprimary.com/website/uniform.html

Break Times

• Both playgrounds will be split into two areas for classes to play in.

• KS1 will have playtime at the same time as one another.

• KS2 classes will have staggered break times. Y3/4 will have a break for 15 minutes at 10.30am followed by Y5/6 at 11.00am.

• KS2 children will not be able to enter into Reception's outside play area.

• There will be equipment for each class that they can play with during this time.

• The large play equipment, such as climbing frames, rota web and exercise equipment will be used by different classes on a weekly rota.

• Unfortunately, the KS2 tuck shop will not be available during the Autumn term.

Lunch Time and Packed Lunches (Updated 1st Septemner 2020)

• Lunch times will be staggered so that classes don't play in the same area.

• Infants classes will eat their lunch in the school dinner hall.

• KS2 pupils will have dinners delivered to their classrooms.

• A full menu, including hot food, will be on offer that meets the national food standards. The price of dinners will increase from September to £2.30.

• Those pupils on packed lunch may bring their dinner in a packed lunch box. It does not have to be disposable.

Children with Special Educational Needs

• We're pleased that pupils with an EHCP can return full time and will receive the provision that they're entitled to.

• For limited times during the day, pupils with SEN, may be grouped with members of other classes so that their needs can be fully met. Unfortunately, our usual excellent provision can't be provided without this small increased risk. If you are worried about this, please contact Mrs Whalen or Miss Steele who will be happy to talk you through the protective measures in place.

Curriculum

• We will resume our deliver of our exciting, creative, broad and balanced curriculum. We will continue to teach all subjects. However, we may reduce the amount of time teaching of some foundation subjects in the Autumn and Spring term to focus on basic reading, writing, phonics, vocabulary and maths activities. This will allow children to 'catch up' due to any missed learning.

• Following teacher assessments in early Autumn term, we expect a number of pupils across the school will take part in additional intervention and catch up programmes. For some pupils, this may result in them missing a particular subject for a number of weeks. This will only occur, following consultation with parents.

PE Lessons

• All PE lessons will take place outside.

• Children in Y1 - 6 must come to school dressed in their outdoor PE kit on their PE day. (i.e. white t-shirt, tracksuit bottoms, trainers and a tracksuit top. Any dark colour tracksuit is acceptable.) This will reduce the amount of time being spent in cloakrooms.

• All PE lessons will include non-contact activities.

Extra Curricular Activities

• After school clubs will return from Monday 14th September.

• Members of one class only will be able to attend each club. As a result, there will be fewer extra curricular opportunities in the Autumn term.

• All sporting fixtures against other schools have been postponed until the Spring term.

• All sports clubs will take place outside. Appropriate clothing (i.e. outdoor PE kit) will be required.

Entrance into School

• The school office will continue to be closed to parents. If you do need help from the office please call or send an email.

• Members of staff will be on the playground each morning and after school to deal with any immediate inquiries. Please ensure you abide by social distancing.

• The school gates will continue to be locked throughout the school day but the buzzer at the main entrance can be used.

• Meetings with school staff have to be pre-arranged as there is limited space in the school to meet. The majority of meetings continue to take place virtually or over the telephone.

Administration of Medicines

To help reduce mobility around the school and maintain the integrity of our small groups/bubbles we have made a small number of changes to our administration of medicines procedures.

• We will no longer be administering non-prescribed medication - if your child is unwell, keep them at home.

• Our administration of medicines form must be completed. Parents must also contact the school via telephone to confirm, in person, their form submission.

• Medicines will be kept in the school office (as usual) but taken to the appropriate classroom to be administered by a supervising adult within the class group.

• The adult may wear PPE (disposable gloves, apron and mask) depending on the symptoms shown by your child).

• Parents may drop off medicines (once agreed with the school) at the school office and collect at the end of the school day. Where medicines are to be used across a week, these can be kept in school if appropriate.

What to do if your child has Symptoms

Parkfield school is committed to keeping both children and staff members safe now they have returned to school. We would like to inform you about what our school will be doing and what we ask of you as parents or carers if your child or any member of your household shows symptoms of coronavirus (COVID19).

The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID19) are a recent start of any of the following

· A new continuous cough

· A high temperature (feel hot to touch on the chest or back

· A loss or change in your normal sense of taste or smell

A well child/young person feels 100% well, seems themselves and not displaying any changes in behaviour or their daily routines. .

An unwell child could be a possible case of COVID19. Other symptoms that have been linked to COVID are vomiting, diarrhoea, sleeping more than usual, agitated, cold, headaches - anything that may indicate they are not feeling themselves.

Please DO NOT send your child into school if:

· They are unwell in any way

· Anyone in the household is unwell, awaiting testing or their result, or has been tested positive.

What happens if a child/young person or member of staff becomes unwell at school?

As soon as the school is made aware, the child, young person or staff member will be sent home and advised to isolate until the result of the COVID test is known. The school will arrange any necessary cleaning.

How do I get a test for my child?

If your child is displaying symptoms of coronavirus, your school will give you details of how to book a test at the local walk-in testing site which is located at the Rochdale Town hall car park.

A test can also be booked on the NHS website using the link below which provides you options for either a drive-through test, for which you or someone you live with must have a car to get to a regional test site or you can request for a home testing kit for yourself and anyone else you live with who has coronavirus symptoms. There is an identity check for home test kits.

https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test

Please ensure you inform the school when you have the test result, whether positive or negative.

What happens if a child, young person or staff member at the school has symptoms?

If anyone in school becomes unwell with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature, or has a loss of, or change in, their normal sense of taste of smell (anosmia), they must be sent home and book a test.

· The person should isolate for a minimum of 7 days, or until the test

· Members of their household should self-isolate for 10days. The 10 days is the time it takes for symptoms to show if you have been infected.

If a child is awaiting collection, they should be moved, if possible, to a room where they can be isolated behind a closed door, depending on the age of the child and with appropriate adult supervision if required. Ideally, a window should be opened for ventilation. If it is not possible to isolate them, move them to an area which is at least 2 metres away from other people. The rest of the bubble need not be sent home unless the child or adult has a positive test result returned.

What happens if a child, young person or staff member at the school tests positive?

Guidance states that:-

Where the child, young person or staff member tests positive, the rest of their class or group within their childcare or education setting should be sent home and advised to self-isolate for 10 days. The other household members of that wider class or group do not need to self-isolate unless the child, young person or staff member they live with in that group subsequently develops symptoms. Therefore, children/staff in their bubble need to be sent home only if the child/adult has a positive test result.

· The person should isolate for a minimum of 10 days, or until the test

· Members of their household should self-isolate for 10 days. The 10 days is the time it takes for symptoms to show if you have been infected.

· The rest of their bubble/class/group within their school (children and adults) will be sent home and advised to self-isolate for 10 days (and offered testing if symptoms develop).

· The other household members who live with the contacts in the bubble/class/group do not need to self-isolate unless the child, young person or staff member they live with in that group subsequently develops symptoms

If my child tests positive, do I need to tell people they have been in contact with? Yes. You need to log onto the NHS Test and Trace portal https://contact-tracing.phe.gov.uk/ and share details of all their close contacts. All close contacts (household, school related or any other close contacts) will receive a letter, a phone call or a text to advise them to self-isolate. Please also ensure that the School Head has been informed.

What happens if my child tests negative?

Your child can return to school when they are 48 hours symptom free. Household members can end their isolation straight away following the negative test, unless someone else in the household is waiting for the result of their test.

What do I need to do if either myself or my child has been in ‘contact’ with somebody who has tested positive?

A ‘contact’ is a person who has been close to someone who has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) anytime from 2 days before the person was symptomatic up to 7 days from onset of symptoms (this is when they are infectious to others).

For example, a contact can be:

· People who spend significant time in the same household as a person who has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19)

· Close personal relationships/partners

· A person who has had face-to-face contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), including: being coughed on, having a face-to-face conversation within one metre, or having skin-to-skin physical contact, or any contact within one metre for one minute or longer

· A person who has been within 2 metres of someone who has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) for more than 15 minutes

· A person who has travelled in a small vehicle with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) or in a large vehicle or plane near someone who has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19)

In a schools/setting context, all children/staff in the classroom ‘bubble’ will be classed as a close contact and others will be assessed on a case by case basis. If you or your child falls into one of the categories above of a contact, they must self-isolate at home because you are at risk of developing symptoms in the next 10 days and could spread the virus to others before the symptoms begin. If you have concerns for your health, contact your GP or NHS 111 online. In an emergency, contact 999.

What happens if somebody in the wider school community tests positive?

If a member of the wider school community (e.g. a parent/carer, a member of our cleaning staff, a governor) tests positive, they should let the school know immediately to identify if the confirmed case attended the setting in the 48 hours before the onset of their symptoms (or the date of the test). No further action is required in the school/setting if the person did not attend during that time when they could have been infectious. Contact tracing will take place with the person testing positive to understand the other types of contact the individual may have had both in school and out of school.

We would like reiterate ways to reduce the spread of coronavirus disease and the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with COVID-19:

· Maintain physical distancing and to stay 2 metres from apart from others (except family members)

· Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gathering

· Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds

· Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available

· Wash your hands as soon as you get home

· Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze

· Put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

· Keep your hands away from your face (eyes, nose and mouth)

Risk Assesment Addendum - COVID - 19 (September 2020) Updated - March 5th 2021

Risk Assesment - COVID - 19 (June 2020)