We are delighted to be writing to you with information about how we will be reopening Outwood Academy Normanby from Monday 8 March and to share information about Covid testing for students to make our return as safe as possible for all.
Students will return from Monday 8 March 2021 in a way that enables us to manage the revised COVID testing arrangements that you will be aware of from reports in the media and government briefings. This means that the return of students will be staggered by year group in the following way:
• Year 11 - Monday 8 March onwards
• Year 10 - Tuesday 9 March onwards
• Year 9 - Wednesday 10 March onwards
• Years 7 and 8 - Thursday 11 March onwards
Access to the provision in school for the children of key workers and vulnerable students will remain unchanged during this week. Further details of the COVID testing process, and arrangements for consent, can be found below.
Our expectations of all members of our community remain as high as always, whether standards of conduct and respect for others, pride in the wearing of full uniform or effort when learning.
Please could I ask that you take this opportunity before we return to check that your child is equipped for school with full uniform, their school planner, and a bag to carry essential school equipment such as a pencil case (containing a pen, pencil and ruler) and PE kit. Full details of our uniform policy are available on our website. If you would welcome support or further details please contact our staff team via our main reception at enquiries@normanby.outwood.com.
Information relating to COVID testing arrangements in school
Following recent government announcements you will be aware that three Lateral Flow Tests (LFT) will be offered to all students upon their return to school. Lateral Flow Testing is specifically for those who do not present any symptoms of Covid 19 so are asymptomatic. These will be carried out prior to and in the first two weeks of their return with three to five days between each test. In order to support a safe return to school, we will be inviting students to take their first test on Thursday 4 or Friday 5 March.
When we have received consent for your child to be tested, we will contact you with a timeslot on Thursday 4 or Friday 5 for your child to attend school for their test. This should take no longer than 20 minutes and they will then return home to continue with online learning.
The second and third tests will then be carried out within three to five days during the first two weeks of the student's return to school. Students who have had three tests in school will be provided with home testing kits to continue the testing process. We will share more details about home testing kits shortly.
Along with the other protective measures we are taking, these tests can help staff and students remain in school safely. Up to one third of people who have coronavirus experience no symptoms. By testing we will help to stop the virus spread and help to keep our school open as safely as possible. The test is voluntary. However, we are participating as a school and I would encourage all students and staff to take part as well.
Alongside this letter, please read this Government instructional leaflet with more information about the tests themselves. Please also read our Testing Privacy Statement and you may find this Testing Data Protection Frequently Asked Questions helpful too.
If you have previously provided consent for your child to be tested, you do not need to take any action unless you wish to withdraw consent.
If you are happy for your child to be tested, complete this form: https://forms.gle/fG3B88QzDZQhfoh5A
Those taking the test will be supervised by trained staff. The lateral flow tests are quick and easy using a swab of your nose and throat. For under-18s, staff can oversee the swab process.
Results take around half an hour from testing and will be shared directly with staff and students participating. Where participants are under-16, parents or legal guardians will also be informed.
I hope that the information in this letter is helpful and clear. Please do ensure you complete the Consent Form, if you are happy for your child to take a COVID-19 test. Please do this by Noon, Monday 1 March 2021 at the latest. If you have any questions, please do also email these to enquiries@normanby.outwood.com
In the meantime, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you again for your support. Please do continue to take care and stay safe.