News Update

Good afternoon, everyone.

I hope you have had a wonderful summer!

We are back in school next week! We are really looking forward to having everyone back in school for the new academic year.

Just a quick reminder about when children start back at school next week:

Tues 31st August - INSET (No children in school)
Wed 1st September - INSET (No children in school)
Thurs 2nd September - Children in school

(Children starting Nursery or Reception in September will have been informed by their class teacher or Mrs Evans about the date / time that they are starting the school year in September. This may be different depending on our staggered start arrangements).

Although staff will be in training, and therefore not available, the school office will be open on Tuesday and Wednesday if you have any questions. If you do need to come into school to speak with office staff, please call in advance so we can organise a time for you to come in and speak with a member of the office team.

SCHOOL UNIFORM
Please make sure that your child is ready for the new academic year and ensure that they have the correct uniform. Click this link for more information:

https://www.southwarkprimary.net/our-school/useful-information/

TERM DATES
Please click this link for our term dates for next year:

https://www.southwarkprimary.net/our-school/term-dates/

If you are booking holidays, please make sure that you book these outside of term time. Thank you.

COVID-19 OPERATIONAL GUIDANCE
You will no doubt be aware that Covid-19 guidance has now changed for schools. Our full guidance will be sent out to you early next week, including our finalised risk assessment. However, please see attached the updated DfE operational guidance which we are working from:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/schools-covid-19-operational-guidance

COVID-19 TESTING
Approximately 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 do not have symptoms. It is important to take regular twice-weekly rapid lateral flow tests to stop the spread of infection. You can drop in and get a free rapid test, or collect a box of tests to take at home, at any of the local asymptomatic testing centres.

Further information on the centres, including opening times, is available at:

https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/get-a-covid-19-test/

Tests can also be accessed from many workplaces and pharmacies. To find a pharmacy near you that offers this service, go to:

https://maps.test-and-trace.nhs.uk/

If you are unable to access tests through these routes, you can order a pack of 7 tests online at:

https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests

COVID-19 VACCINATIONS
Every adult is now eligible for Covid-19 vaccinations. NHS guidance states that anyone who gets COVID-19 can become seriously ill or have long-term effects (long COVID). The COVID-19 vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and others.

Research has shown the vaccines help:

- reduce your risk of getting seriously ill or dying from COVID-19
- reduce your risk of catching or spreading COVID-19
- protect against COVID-19 variants
- The 1st dose should give you some protection from 3 or 4 weeks after you've had it. But you need 2 doses for stronger and longer-lasting protection.

There is a chance you might still get or spread COVID-19 even if you have a vaccine, so it's important to follow advice about how to avoid catching and spreading COVID-19:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/how-to-avoid-catching-and-spreading-coronavirus-covid-19/

If you haven't already done so, book your vaccinations now:

https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-vaccinations/

More information will follow early next week about our site specific Covid-19 risk assessment and what this means for our whole school community.

Have a great bank holiday weekend!

Mr Skirton