WELCOME

We are delighted that there were not any national plans to delay our return to school in January 2022. However, the concern remains around staff absence, which we just cannot predict. We will continue to do all we can to limit the spread and would ask that we continue testing twice a week (Sunday and Wednesdays evenings) so that we can identify the asymptomatic cases and protect other people.  If a student is identified a close contact, then they are asked to increase testing and take a LFD every day for 7 days.

Covid-19 Latest – updated 19/01/22

Government changes to the self-isolation period for those who test positive for COVID-19

This change came into effect in England on Monday 17 January and applies to all positive cases, regardless of vaccination status.

People who are self-isolating with COVID-19 have the option to reduce their isolation period after 5 full days if they test negative with an LFD test on both day 5 and day 6 and they do not have a temperature. For example, if they test negative on the morning of day 5 and the morning of day 6, they can return to their education or childcare setting immediately on day 6.

The first test must be taken no earlier than day 5 of the self-isolation period, and the second must be taken the following day. All test results should be reported to NHS Test and Trace and all positive results must also be reported directly to Mr Eddy, Headteacher, by emailing jeddy@thetauntonacademy.com

It is important to note the day of onset of symptoms, or the day of the positive test (if asymptomatic) is day 0. This is to ensure isolation days are full days. For example, if onset of symptoms or positive LFD (if asymptomatic) is on a Saturday, this is day 0, Sunday is day 1 and so on.  An LFD should be taken on the morning of day 5 (Thursday in this example), and continue to isolate, even if it is negative. Then another LFD 24 hours later on day 6 (Friday in this example). Only if this second consecutive LFD is negative, isolation can cease and permission is given to come to school immediately after this test on the Friday.  If, however, the result of either test is positive, they should continue to self-isolate until they get negative results from two LFD tests on consecutive days or until they have completed 10 full days of self-isolation, whichever is earliest.

The new rules also apply to people who are already isolating – so if someone was already isolating before Monday 17 January, they can take LFD tests on day 5 and 6 and if they are both negative and they have no temperature they can end their isolation.

Anyone who is unable to take LFD tests or anyone who continues to have a temperature will need to complete the full 10-day period of self-isolation.

Further Government information on self-isolation for those with COVID-19 is available.

To see a copy of all communications, please go to the latest parent letters. Current information and guidance can be found on our Coronavirus Latest page.

Testing – Day 5 and 6

Before your child returns to school following isolation, please confirm both lateral flow tests are negative by emailing attendance@thetauntonacademy.com

Thank you for your continued support.