This update applies to all pupils of The Westminster School
Dear Parents/Carers
School Closure
We have been doing all we can to continue as normal since the national reopening of schools in March 2021. However, we have experienced a number of positive cases of COVID-19 across the school community over the past few days.
Unfortunately, it is with regret that as from 3.30pm today we will be closing to students and staff until Tuesday 29 June, when school will reopen. This has not been an easy decision and has been taken with the best interests of keeping our whole School community safe. This decision has been made due to the reduced capacity in school due to direct contacts within the school community and contract tracing. This decision is also supported by Public Health Sandwell and the Local Authority.
Public Health Sandwell and the Local Authority have confirmed that school can reopen to ALL pupils on 29 June, as this is 10 days after the individuals who tested positive first became symptomatic.
In light of these events, we are currently reviewing position on whether our residential trips to Ingestre Hall and Frank Chapman are going ahead and we will make a decision on Friday and keep parents informed.
Online learning resources for your WestminStars students will be available through their class webpage (https://thewestminsterschool.co.uk/class-groups/) and the timetable will also be available here.
Online learning resources for Bridging and Personal Development students will be available through our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5whariGXvjcUydK0auAVug).
Free school meal vouchers will be issued to students who are eligible. Students who were eligible for laptops during previous lockdowns will be issued with laptops shortly.
If your child develops any of the following symptoms, please get a PCR test and let the school know immediately if they test positive by calling 0121 561 6884 during school hours or 0121 281 3664 at the weekend:
The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:
• new continuous cough and/or
• high temperature and/or
• a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)
However, local authorities are reporting that some individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 have displayed other symptoms. We would like to encourage pupils and their families to get a PCR test as a precaution if they display any of these symptoms, however minor:
• headaches
• aches and pains
• feeling very tired for no good reason
• sore throat
• runny nose
• sneezing
• tummy ache in children
PCR tests can be booked through https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.
Thank you for your continued help and support.
Yours faithfully
Mr O M Flowers
Head Teacher
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