31 January 2022
Dear Parents/Carers
Class Closure and COVID Contact: Wrekin
Throughout the last week we have experienced an unprecedented amount of staff absences due to
COVID-19. At the start of the week 15% of the workforce were absent from work due to COVID
however through the weekend this has grown significantly to 20%. The impact of their isolation is
significant, and we do anticipate this to grow in the coming weeks.
A member of staff from Wrekin has tested positive for COVID and if your child has been in school
between 24 – 28 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 Wrekin class from 1 February 2022 – 9 February
2022. Students will be able to return on Thursday 10 February 2022 if they are symptom free.
Children 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 Thursday 10 February.
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 Thursday 10 February 2022.
• Transport will be cancelled for the period of class closure and will be reinstated on
Thursday 10 February 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