We’ve made it through to the end of the Spring term! This week’s message is a day early because tomorrow’s the start of the Easter break. The first of today’s messages is a re-cap from Monday…
Testing positive…? (repeat from Monday)
As was the case at Christmas and in February, schools are being asked to support the government’s Test and Trace system.
If your child has been attending school this week, we need you to tell us if they get a positive Covid test result in the period Friday 02 April to Wednesday 07 April 2021. So you can give us all the information we need, please use this form or scan this QR code (hover over it with the camera on – a link should appear):
This means we’ll have the information to take the necessary actions, laid down by the Department for Education.
We’d prefer you to use the online form, but if the technology fails you, please contact school: scholesheadofschool@spherefederation.org
If your child receives a positive test result after Wednesday 07 April, you can tell us on the first day of the new term (Monday 19 April).
PCR vs LFD tests
It’s confusing, we know!
A PCR test (a polymerase chain reaction test) is one where the swap is sent off to a lab. An LFD test (lateral flow device test) is one that you can do at home.
Leeds Schools Health, Safety & Wellbeing Team have asked us to make sure you’re aware of the difference.
Apparently, some parents are taking pupils who have Covid symptoms to get a test and then having an LFD test and not a PCR test. Symptomatic people must have a PCR test – an LFD test is not sufficient.
Some test sites are open for different purposes at different times of the day, such as PCR testing in the morning and LFD test collection in the afternoon. It might be that parents aren’t aware of this and have arrived at the wrong time. Please be clear if you’re booking tests or arriving at a test centre that you need a symptomatic PCR test or if you’re collecting LFD tests.
Pupil premium
Throughout the pandemic, Leeds has seen a rise in the number of children and young people who are entitled to a free school meal.
If a child is entitled to free school meals, schools get over £1,000 every year to support your child’s learning. This is true, even if your child is in Reception or Years 1 or 2 and so they get a free meal, and even if they choose to have a packed lunch.
Find out more about free school meals, and pupil premium to support your child’s learning.
Farewell to Miss Hague
We’re very sad to announce that Miss Hague will be leaving us at the end of the school year. Miss Karen April Hague has been Head of School for some years now and has been a wonderful figurehead for our happy and healthy school. Whilst not suffering fools gladly, Miss Hague has earned a reputation as being a firm but fair school leader. Now, exhausted by Covid risk assessments, the day has come for Miss Hague to step back and enjoy an early retirement.
Have a happy and healthy Easter break – and be careful not to fall victim to any April Fools Day jokes…!