Fairfields Primary School

Dear parents and carers,

I am writing to update on the additional confirmed cases from today and to share the guidance released yesterday for parents.

Following the rise in positive cases over the weekend, many staff members have been identified as contacts of both staff members and pupils.  This has led to them being asked to take PCR tests via the track and trace service.  They must take a test whether or not they have symptoms.  The service will keep contacting the adult until they have confirmed that they have taken a positive test. 

As a result of the tests a number of staff have received positive results.  They must isolate regardless of whether they have symptoms or not.  For each positive test result, the staff member must isolate and then also pass on the contacts of the other members of staff they have had contact with, who will also have to take a PCR test.

Today we have had a further 3 staff members test positive for coronavirus despite being double vaccinated..  These are in Year 3 and 5.  I am also self-isolating as instructed to do so my the track and trace service.  I have also sent home staff who are pregnant (in the final trimester).  This does mean that we are experiencing a short-term shortage of staff.

To help with this, please can you ensure that your child only attends school if they are well.  If you are unsure, please contact the school office to talk through any concerns you may have.  If they have a pre-existing medical condition will we need either advice from a medical professional working with your child or a negative PCR test to confirm that they do not have COVID 19.  Your child may always have a cough at this time of the year but we need to make sure that it is that cough and not COVID 19.  This will ensure that the staffing levels are maintained and that we are able to safety care for pupils in school.

I will provide an update on cases in the school over the next few days.  

Please see the additional guidance from the DFE which was released yesterday.  

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak/step-4-update-what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges

For pupils who have been instructed to isolate by track and trace, we will arrange to meet them on Zoom to go through the work we have set them.    

Thank you for your continued support.

Miss Kelly Dillon

Headteacher