Click here to download a PDF version of this Letter

7 January 2022

 

Dear Parents/Carers

Class Closure and COVID Contact: Rowley

Throughout this week we have experienced 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.

A member of staff from the Rowley class group has tested positive for COVID and if your child has been in school between 4 – 7 January 2022 they have been identified as a close contact.  The following advice therefore applies:

  • Daily LFT testing for 7 days, where possible.
  • If any of the LFT tests come back as positive (two lines on the test strip) you do not need to get a PCR test. You will need to assume the test is positive and follow government guidance to isolate. Please inform the school via email at headteacher@westminster.sandwell.sch.uk.
  • If your child develops symptoms they must isolate and obtain a PCR test.

We have been in close collaboration with Sandwell Public Health as it is apparent that due to challenges of capacity we are unable to maintain appropriate and safe staffing levels to open some of our classes.  Consequently, we will need to close the Rowley Class for the week beginning 10 January 2022.  Students will be able to return on Monday 17 January 2022 if they are symptom free.  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.

Resource packs will be sent home to students by the class teacher so they are able to maintain educational provision during this time, we do however appreciate this may be a challenge to deliver.  Due to the nature of individual learning needs and our experience in the past we will not be offering online lessons unless expressly requested.  Requests for online learning can be achieved by emailing headteacher@westminster.sandwell.sch.uk and it will be passed onto the class teacher.

The following scenario applies.  My child is in a class where a member(s) of the class team tested positive 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 Monday 17 January 2022.
  • Transport will be cancelled for the period of class closure and will be reinstated on Monday 17 January 2022.
  • They do not need to isolate unless they develop symptoms.
  • It is highly recommended to complete daily testing for 7 days.

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