We have been informed today of one positive case of coronavirus within the school community at Haygrove School. Working with colleagues at Public Health England and at Somerset County Council’s Public Health Team, we undertook a risk assessment and identified the children who may have been in close contact with the confirmed case and asked them to self-isolate for 14 days from the date of last contact.
With this advice and support we were able to act swiftly and take effective action. PHE has carried out a risk assessment and is satisfied with all the measures we are taking to keep our students safe. Our response includes a comprehensive deep clean of the affected areas.
We must stress that children self-isolating at home do not need to get a COVID test unless they develop symptoms. If any other students become symptomatic and are awaiting tests or results, the guidelines state that they must self-isolate for 14 days; they must not come to school.
Clearly this has had an impact on the school community especially those students involved and their families. The affected year group - Year 10, which comprises 213 students - will have access to comprehensive online resources which build on the curriculum they would be following at school and they have been set assignments so they can focus on meaningful and ambitious work that reflects their usual timetable. Teachers will use instructional videos to support learning and give clarity on what is to be taught and practised in each subject.
Somerset County Council will be working with us to ensure that vulnerable pupils get the support they need whilst self-isolating. The County’s e-Learning and Information Management team is also supporting us with online learning and technology. We also have access to lap-tops through a government scheme if there are pupils who need them to do their work.
A letter has been sent home to each year 10 student and to the rest of the school.
Our YEAR 6 OPEN EVENING will this year be an online only event due to COVID-19 restrictions. From 6pm on Tuesday 29 September interested parents/carers and students will be ablel to access an 'open day experience' via our website. Please watch this space or follow us on Facebook or Twitter for updates.
Thank you.
