Omicron Covid-19 Variant

OMICRON COVID VARIENT UPDATE

Good afternoon, everyone.

I hope you all had an enjoyable and relaxing weekend (and managed to stay warm!). I apologise for the length of this message, but it is very important that you are made aware of some key information and changes linked to the emergence of the new Covid-19 variant.

I am sure you are aware of the government's announcement of new temporary measures following the emergence of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 in the UK.

Please read the Government statement below:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/prime-minister-sets-out-new-measures-as-omicron-variant-identified-in-uk-27-november-2021

The DfE has also updated the school's operational guidance in the light of this:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1036663/Schools_guidance_update_for_Omnicron_-_29_Nov.pdf

Here are the main changes for us in the light of this updated guidance:

FACE COVERINGS
We ask that parents/carers/staff and visitors now wear face coverings in communal areas at school unless they are exempt. For parents and carers, we ask that you wear a mask at any time whilst on the school site. This includes arriving at school, leaving school, at classroom doors at the beginning and end of the school day as well as dropping off and collecting at Breakfast Club and After School Club. Children should not wear face coverings at school in line with government advice for primary aged children.

CONTACT TRACING AND ISOLATION
The current guidance on contact tracing and isolation remains in place. Therefore, children do not have to isolate and adults who are exempt do not have to self isolate either. However, any suspected or confirmed close contacts of the Omicron variant will be asked to isolate for 10 days, even if the person has been double vaccinated. Currently, this includes children. Test & Trace will identify these individuals.

CHANGES TO RED LIST TRAVEL
Some amendments to the UK's red list have been made:

South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and Zimbabwe moved onto the red list at 12.00 midday Friday 26 November.

Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia were added to the UK red list 4am Sunday 28 November.

If individuals arrive in England from 4am 28 November, they must follow the red list rules.

ASSEMBLIES IN SCHOOL
Unfortunately, we won't be inviting parents to assemblies from this point onwards.

NATIVITY PERFORMANCES / CHRISTMAS CRACKER (for Reception & Nursery)
These events will take place in school for the children.
However, it is very much under review whether parents will be invited to these events. If they go ahead, parents will have to adhere to certain safety measures & restrictions. These will be communicated by Mrs Evans this week. Naturally, we are desperate for these events to go ahead with parents/carers being able to come and enjoy them but as you will understand, we have to take the sensible safety precautions. I will inform parents/carers by the end of this week if they will be able to come into school to enjoy these events. I want to assess the situation this week before making a final decision. I am sure you will understand that I must have safety as my highest priority when making this decision.

PTA CHRISTMAS FAIR
This event is due to take place on Monday 13th December 3:00pm - 4:30pm. We really want this event to take place but, again, I will keep this under review this week. If it does take place, parents/carers will be asked to adhere to certain safety measures and restrictions. I will confirm by the end of this week if it will go ahead or not. I am sure you will understand that I must have safety as my highest priority when making this decision.

CONTINUE TO FOLLOW SAFETY MEASURES ON SITE
Please continue to try to socially distance whilst on the school site and respect the red zone outside or your child's classroom to limit the chance of transmission of the virus.

ATTENDANCE & PUNTUALITY
Unless your child is showing one of the Covid-19 symptoms, they must still attend school. Attendance is still mandatory and it is vital that your child does not miss out on valuable learning time. Please continue to make sure they attend everyday and arrive on time.

RISK ASSESSMENT
Please visit our school website to view the updated risk assessment:

https://www.southwarkprimary.net/essential-information/covid-19-information/

Thank you for your continued support. I appreciate that many of you will have different views about our approaches to Covid-19 safety measures. However, I assure you that every decision I make is with the safety and wellbeing of our school community as my highest priority.

Mr Skirton