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. This follows the current infection trends both nationally and in the local area. At the start of the week 12% of the workforce were absent from work due to COVID however through the weekend this has grown significantly to 18%. The impact of their isolation and infection is significant, and we do anticipate this to grow in the coming weeks.
Member(s) of staff from Rowley class have tested positive for COVID and if your child has been in school between 22-25 March 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 Monday 28 March 2022. Students will be able to return on Monday 4 April 2022 if they are symptom free. Children in this class group 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.
Access to online learning can be found at https://thewestminsterschool.co.uk/class-groups/ although we appreciate this may be a challenge for some. 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 Monday 4 April 2022.
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 4 April 2022.
- Transport will be cancelled for the period of class closure and will be reinstated on Monday 4 April 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