Dear Families
Welcome to the new school year 2021 - 2022!
As those of you who have visited the site will have seen, there has been significant progress on our new build and we are looking forward to moving into the new school over October half-term. Thank you for adapting to the changes in our entry / exit arrangements. Please be aware there will be another change in November, but this should be permanent!
Road safety
Please can families ensure they use the school crossing even when they do not have a child with them. If our pupils see you nip across the road they think this is acceptable and try to do this themselves. Please take the additional 20 seconds to walk and use the crossing to set a good example and keep all our children safe.
New build
As I write this, the scaffolding around the building is being taken down and the pupil entrance and link to the library corridor is being completed. Internally all rooms are completed and are awaiting sinks, computer benching and carpet. The 'making good' work around the outside of the building is about to commence. This will involve setting the ground level, making paths, playgrounds and installing fencing.
We don't intend to invite families and visitors to tour the new school until September 2022 when the whole site and buildings will be complete. Should it be safe to do so, we will be hosting an official opening ceremony to which we would be delighted to invite you.
Covid
Thank you to all families who gave permission for their child to be LFT tested at school. The first test was completed yesterday for the whole school and we are completing tests for absent pupils as they return. All pupils will have a second test on Monday.
We had one positive test and that pupil is now isolating until the results of their PCR test are received.
We are now operating under new Government guidelines regarding isolation.
If someone you live with has symptoms of COVID-19, or has tested positive for COVID-19, you will not need to self-isolate if any of the following apply:
- you're fully vaccinated – this means 14 days have passed since your final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine given by the NHS
- you're under 18 years, 6 months old
- you're taking part or have taken part in a COVID-19 vaccine trial
- you're not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons
Even if you do not have symptoms, you should still:
When we become aware that a person has had close contact with someone with symptoms of, or a confirmed case of, Covid-19, we will make you aware so you can organise a PCR test for your child. If we have permission for LFT testing, we will continue to administer twice weekly tests in school unless we identify a need to increase testing. Should this happen, we will call you to discuss this.
Other measures that are still in place:
- One way system in corridors
- Temperature scan on arrival
- Multiple hand wash and sanitiser stations about the site
- Enhanced cleaning of touchpoints
- Good ventilation with additional windows open
- Cleaning materials to wipe down frequently used resources
- Pupils attending in PE uniform rather than using changing rooms
- An isolation area and toilet for pupils showing symptoms
- Staggered collection of lunches and pupils eating in tutor rooms
- Additional supervised play areas to allow greater social distancing when outside
We no longer insist that staff and pupils wear masks in school. It is encouraged, but is a matter of personal choice.
As always, we will continue to adapt our practice in line with Government guidance and according to our assessment of risk.
Many thanks in advance for helping us to keep everyone healthy and here's to a great year!
Take a look at the Meadow High School Twitter page for news, updates and useful information.
