Click here to download a PDF Version of this letter
This update only applies to students of Hazel and Elm Classes.
4 January 2022
Dear Parents/Carers
Class Closures: Hazel and Elm
This morning we have seen an unprecedented amount of staff absences due to COVID-19. We now find ourselves in the challenging position whereby 15% of our workforce are unable to come to work due to positive COVID test results. The impact of their isolation is significant, and we do anticipate this to grow in the coming weeks.
We have been in close collaboration with Sandwell Public Health as it is apparent that due to challenges of capacity, we will need to close both Hazel and Elm for the remainder of this week and for a small part of next week. Hazel and Elm will reopen again on Tuesday 11 January 2022. Children in these class groups do not need to isolate unless they develop symptoms or test positive on either a LFT or PCR. I apologise for any inconvenience this will cause your family; these decisions have been made to keep everyone safe.
Online lessons will be delivered each day from our working from home team and we would encourage attendance if this is at all possible. Access to this content can be found at https://thewestminsterschool.co.uk/class-groups/ This will be 3 x 30-minute lessons each day. If you require a laptop device to access the online content, please contact the school and we will arrange for a device to be loaned to you. Please ensure the device is brought back to school on Tuesday 11 January 2022.
The following scenario applies. My child is in a class where the teacher is absent due to COVID and the school does not have sufficient capacity to safely open the class group.
• The child will need to remain away from school for a period and will be able to return to school on Tuesday 11 January 2022.
• Transport will be cancelled for the period of class closure and will be reinstated on Tuesday 11 January 2022.
• They do not need to isolate unless they develop symptoms.
• It is highly recommended to complete an LFT before they return to school.
• An online learning offer will be provided and communicated to all those concerned.
If your child develops any of the following symptoms at any point during their isolation, please arrange another PCR test:
• new continuous cough and/or
• high temperature and/or
• a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)
If your child’s PCR test comes back positive, please ring the School on 0121 561 6884. We would be grateful if you could send a copy of all test results to headteacher@westminster.sandwell.sch.uk.
Thank you for your continued support during these exceptionally challenging times. If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the School.
Yours faithfully
O M Flowers
Head Teacher