10 members of staff, including 4 class teachers, have tested positive for COVID-19. Over the last week, there is a steady increase in the number of members of staff becoming unwell and then reporting a positive test for COVID-19.

 

Today, 5 agency (supply) staff are covering classes. All planned release time for teachers is cancelled so that we are prioritising keeping classes in school and open to pupils.  Agencies tell us that they have no other staff available for cover, explaining rising need for cover in other schools and cases of COVID-19 in agency staff.

 

There is a risk that any further absence of class teachers due to COVID-19 will result in individual age groups being sent home to learn at home by Microsoft Teams. This is a last resort. Nevertheless, parents are encouraged to think about your own contingency measures should a year group close and be ready to switch to using Microsoft Teams at home.  

 

In Year 6, pupil absence is high. Today, 4 pupils report a positive test for COVID-19. A further 28 Year 6 pupils are absent from school with possible symptoms of COVID-19:

• French cafe event, due to take place on Monday after school, is cancelled to reduce risk of infection transmission beyond the year group;
• Graduation event, due to take place on Friday 22 July may switch to a virtual, video conference event.

We are worried about the risk of COVID-19 infection to Year 6 pupils, their parents who attend the in-person Graduation event and knock-on infection to wider family groups and travel plans at the start of the school summer holidays. We will look at Year 6 absence on Thursday and make a final decision about Graduation. 
 

Update, Thursday 14th: all parents of Year 6 children have been emailed today with an update on logistics for the graduation ceremony due to take place on the 22 July.

The ceremony will now take place in two parts.  
Part 1, 9:30-10:15. 6H & 6F

Part 2, 1:30- 2:15, 6P & 6S

doors will open 15 minutes before each event.