Dear Parents & Carers

Re: Covid-19

We have received advice that West Sussex is an area of high prevalence, and so I have been advised by Public Health England, that all secondary school Head teachers

reintroduce the requirement for students to wear face coverings in communal areas in schools, (not in class) unless a child is exempt, whether there are currently Covid-19 cases in school or not.

This is in line with the latest government guidance for schools, and I would very much welcome your support in implementing this additional preventative measure from Monday 29 November until the end of term, when the situation will be reviewed in line with the latest data.

Keeping the school open for our students remains our priority and although our Covid numbers are at present very low, we do not wish to return to a situation where students need to wear face coverings in class.

In the current context of high and rising prevalence, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), may recommend this and/or additional measures in outbreak situations but I will keep you all informed.

For now can I ask for your continued support on testing, being mindful of the 90 day rule whereby anyone who has previously received a positive Covid-19 PCR test result should not be re-tested within 90 days of that test, unless they develop any new symptoms of Covid-19.

We have received further information regarding Covid vaccination catch-up clinics, this will be sent separately to you.

As a school we are continuing with hand sanitising, ventilation and space.  We really want to do our best to ensure a positive end of term for all our students and staff and ask for your continued support with the wearing of masks and twice weekly testing.

Kind regards

Yvonne Watkins
Head teacher