Message from Scheme Manager on Re-opening 31st December 2020
Dear Students, Parents and Carers,
I am sure you are aware that in the Government briefing yesterday some schools and colleges placed in the highest risk areas have been told to remain closed to some students and to move to remote learning for the first two weeks of term. This does not apply to Harington students. It should be noted, however, that extremely clinically vulnerable students are advised to stay home and shield whilst the Tier 4 restrictions are in place. Remote learning will be arranged for all students who are staying home to shield or self-isolate.
Haringey has not been identified as one of the highest risk boroughs therefore we are required to open as normal from 5th January 2021. Lots could happen between now and the start of term, but I thought you would want to hear what the latest position is, as far as we know it. Local Leaders and Haringey Council are meeting today to discuss the announcements made and the impact of these locally.
We remain committed to the education of our students, and to the health and wellbeing of students and staff, which must also remain central in any decisions made. The new strain of COVID-19 is reported to spread much more easily with high transmission rates amongst young people. To try and further limit the spread of COVID, students must stay at home if they are unwell with any of the symptoms below or until a negative test is returned:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhoea
To ensure we are able to remain open I must ask all students/families to make sure they strictly follow the Tier 4 restrictions.
- Households cannot mix outside of education settings in Tier 4.
- If someone in the household shows COVID symptoms the entire household must isolate for 10 days. The Household must also isolate if someone from within the house is waiting for COVID test results (unless you undertake regular testing as part of your employment or you have been selected by the Government).
- Isolate for 10 days if you have travelled from a non-exempt country before returning to Harington.
- If students would like to wear a mask during the day, and they are able to fit and remove the mask without support, they can.
- Classrooms will remain well ventilated please ensure students are wearing extra layers.
If you are unsure about any of Harington’s systems or Government guidance please email the office – info@harington.org.uk.
We are currently seeking clarification from the Department for Education in relation to the new weekly rapid testing scheme that being introduced January 2021. We will update you once we have more information on this.
As this is a fast-moving situation, I will be in contact over the next few days if any changes are made by the Government in relation to reopening and to update on testing.
Please check emails regularly over the next few days. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and understanding and wish you a very healthy and happy New Year.
Kind regards,
Joanna Baxter
Scheme Manager