End of December Covid update
31st December 2020
Dear parent/carer,
Following on from the Government announcement last night, I would like to update you with the following information:
5th-8th January
- All students will be working online.
- Key worker students and students requiring additional support will be invited into school.
- We will begin planning for testing within school.
11th-15th January
- Year 11s, children of key workers and students requiring additional support will be in school.
- Year 7-10 students will be working online.
- Mass testing to start within school for students and staff who have consented.
18th January
- All students back in school.
If you require your child to come into school from 5th January, please email the school, stating your child’s name and their form group.
If your child requires a laptop to be loaned to them, please come and collect from the school. For year 10 and 11 students between 11am and 3pm on Monday 4th January. For year 7, 8 and 9 students, between 11am and 3pm on Tuesday 5th January. Laptops and any other borrowed equipment will need to be brought back upon your child’s return to school.
I will be sending information out shortly for those students who are entitled to a Free School Meal. We will be providing these daily to be collected from the school.
I look forward to communicating with you again on Monday 4th January.
Yours sincerely,
Abbie Thorrington
Principal
NHS Test and Trace: COVID-19 testing for staff and students
21 December 2020
Dear parent/carer,
Following on from my communication on Friday 18th December, I am pleased to be sharing with you further information around the mass testing of pupils and staff in schools, as a way of reducing the spread of the virus and enabling fewer pupils and staff to have to self-isolate. You can read more about how the government expects this programme to work here.
I am hopeful of testing all staff and pupils who want to participate from week commencing 4 January 2021. This will initially start with staff, year 11 pupils, key worker and vulnerable pupils; rolling out to our remaining year groups later in the week. This initial phase of testing is being termed ‘initial testing’ by the Government. All those who have consented will be tested twice, 2-5 days apart. The implementation of the testing will be dependent on the testing equipment arriving by 4 January 2021. The next phase is being termed ‘serial testing’ by the Government. This is where consented pupils are tested in the morning for 7 school days after being highlighted as being in contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid 19. All school staff will be tested on a weekly basis.
If you are happy for your child to be tested, please fill in the electronic Google form here or enclosed consent statement and return it to the school via submitting the Google form, emailing or hand delivering to the school office. If you do not wish to consent to your child being tested in school if they are in contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid 19, they must follow Government guidance and isolate for 10 days from the day they last had contact with the positive case.
Due to the large scale testing that we intend to be carrying out during the first week, we will be repurposing the sports hall. In future weeks we will then move to a specific area within school. 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. Pupils and staff will be carrying out the swab themselves. Please click on the link for further explanation. Results (which take around half an hour from testing) will be shared directly with staff and pupils participating. Immediate contact will be made home for pupils where a positive test has been obtained.
Setting up this programme in schools is a complex operation. We have been sent some information about how it should work already, but more detailed guidance is expected to be produced by the government over the Christmas holiday period. Once I have this information, along with a timeframe of testing for the week I will ensure this is shared with you.
If you do have questions, please email info@ipswichacademy.org.uk
Due to it being the holiday period, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to answer these until Monday 4th January.
Thank you for your patience, and best wishes for a safe and enjoyable festive period.
Abbie Thorrington
Principal
What if a pupil tests positive?
Participating staff and pupils who test positive will be informed about their results individually. Where participants are under 16, parents or legal guardians will also be notified. Guidance on safe travel and additional precautions will be provided along with test results.
Pupils will need to take a further ‘PCR test’ (similar to those done in local and regional testing sites) on the same day (or as soon as possible). School will be able to provide these PCR test kits to perform at home or you can go to www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or call 119 to book a follow-up test. If ordering a PCR test yourselves, they should choose to visit a drive-through test site if possible, as it is faster than requesting a home test.
During this time while they wait for the PCR result (via text / email) they will need to self-isolate. If the PCR test returns a positive result you will have to self-isolate and follow the guidance from NHS Test and Trace.
What happens if the test is negative?
They will be able to stay in school and resume their activities as normal. A pupil will only be told if they test positive on a ‘lateral flow’ test, so if you do not hear you can assume it was negative. A small number of pupils may need to repeat the test if the first test was invalid or void for some reason.
What if a close contact at school/college tests positive?
A close contact of someone in school/college who has tested positive for COVID-19 will be able to return to school if they agree to be tested once a day for 7 days and the test is negative. If they do not want to take the test, they will need to self-isolate as per the national guidelines. This does not apply to household members or close contacts outside of [school/college] who will still need to self-isolate. Further details will be provided at the time, but if you would prefer to self-isolate instead of doing daily testing, you can.
What if my child develops symptoms?
This testing programme at school is for people with no symptoms. If your child develops symptoms at any time (such as a high temperature; a new, continuous cough; or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste) they must immediately self-isolate, and book a test by calling 119.
NHS Test and Trace consent form for COVID-19 testing
• For pupils younger than 16 years – this form must be completed by the parent or legal guardian. Please complete one consent form for each child you wish to enrol.
1. I have had the opportunity to consider the information provided by the school/college about the testing, ask questions and have had these answered satisfactorily, based on the information presented in the letter dated 21/12/2020.
2. In the case of under 16s, I have discussed the testing with my child and my child is happy to participate. If on the day of testing they do not wish to take part, then they will not be made to do so and consent can be withdrawn at any time ahead of the test.
3. I consent to having / my child having a nose and throat swab for a lateral flow test.
4. I consent that my / my child’s sample(s) will be tested for the presence of COVID-19.
5. I understand that if my child result(s) are negative on the lateral flow test I will not be contacted by the school except where they are a close contact of a confirmed positive.
6. If the lateral flow test indicates the presence of COVID-19, I consent to my child having / having a nose and throat swab for confirmatory PCR testing, which shall be sent the same day to an NHS Test & Trace laboratory.
7. I consent that they will need to self-isolate following a positive lateral flow test result, until the results of the confirmatory PCR have been received.
8. I agree that if my child’s test results are confirmed to be positive from this PCR test, I will report this to the school and I understand that my child will be required to self-isolate following public health advice.
9. I consent that if a close contact of my child tests positive but my child has tested negative, they will continue to attend school college but will be tested every day at school for 7 days.
| Name of pupil to be tested (print) | |
| Year group | |
| Name of parent or guardian | |
| Signature | |
| Date | |
| Relationship to child if under 16 |
End of term letter
18 December 2020
Dear parent/carers
Advice regarding positive COVID-19 cases during the holiday period
We have worked hard over the past term to help in the national effort to limit the spread of the virus. We want you to be aware of the advice we have received from the government regarding positive cases in the holidays:
- For the first 6 days after teaching ends, if a pupil or staff member tests positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), having developed symptoms within 48 hours of being in school, please email the school on info@ipswichacademy.org.uk where staff will assist in identifying close contacts and advising self-isolation, as the individual may have been infectious whilst in school.
- Where a pupil or staff member tests positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), having developed symptoms more than 48 hours since being in school, the school should not be contacted. Parents and carers should follow contact tracing instructions provided by NHS Test and Trace.
- It is important that you use the email address to contact the school as the telephone service on site will be closed. The email inbox will be monitored and the necessary actions will be taken.
- Where pupils are required to self-isolate due to contact with a positive case after the first 6 days following the end of term, school does not need to be informed about their absence until the first day of the new term.
Advice following the Government announcement around online learning and testing come 5th January 2021
From Tuesday 5th January only year 11 students, vulnerable students and students of critical workers will be in school. All other students will be supported with their learning online from home. I will communicate with you no later than Monday 4th January on what this will look like.
The Government also announced that secondary schools will begin testing staff and students from January 2021. Again, I will communicate again with you no later than Monday 4th January on what this will look like. I am still awaiting further clarification around a number of questions I have around the process.
Once again, thank you for your support throughout this challenging time.
I wish everyone a happy and healthy two week period and look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday 5th January 2021, whether virtual or face to face.
Yours sincerely
Abbie Thorrington
Principal
Christmas closing
17 December 2020
Dear parent/carer
In light of recent Government announcements surrounding the measures secondary schools are required to have in place from January, I have made the decision to allow students to leave school at lunchtime tomorrow.
On Tuesday, the Government announced that secondary schools will offer regular COVID testing of secondary school students and today it was announced that there will be a staggered start to the school term, with years 7-10 having remote learning for the first week. To enable our staff to begin preparing for these changes, students in year 10 and 11 will be allowed to finish school at 12:20pm and students in years 7-9 will be allowed to finish school at 12:35pm. If they are entitled to free school meals, or would like to purchase lunch before they leave, lunch will be available as normal.
If childcare arrangements mean you would like your child to remain in school until their usual finishing time, please email info@ipswichacademy.org.uk and we will ensure that suitable provision is available.
Please note that further information and guidance on both in-school testing and remote learning for years 7-10 years will be released in due course.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and to thank the students for their incredible resilience this term. Everyone at Ipswich Academy would also like to wish you and your families an enjoyable, safe and relaxing Christmas break. We look forward to welcoming students back in January.
Yours sincerely
Abbie Thorrington
Principal
Work experience opportunity
Drax have created a virtual work experience programme for our students. The Drax placement is only available to schools, they work with and is a great way for students to gain experience of the world of work and develop essential employability skills. Places are limited so please apply as soon as possible. Please contact victoria.addis@paradgimtrust.org if you would like any support with the application process.
Further details can be found here.
IMPORTANT – Covid-19 Letter to close contacts
15th December 2020
Advice for Child to Self-Isolate for 10 Days – 8P/8A
Dear parent or carer,
We have been made aware that we have a confirmed positive case of coronavirus (COVID-19) at Ipswich Academy.
We have followed the national guidance and have identified that your child has been in close contact with the affected child. In line with the national guidance your child must stay at home and self-isolate until Thursday 24th December.
If your child is well at the end of the 10 days period of self-isolation, then they can return to usual activities.
Other members of your household can continue normal activities provided your child does not develop symptoms within the 10 day self-isolation period.
Please see the link to: Guidance for contacts of people with confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection who do not live with the person
Work set for students during the 10 day isolation period and contact home
As previously communicated with you, we will be using Google classrooms to support students with their learning during their isolation period. Students have had a lesson familiarising them with the platform. From Wednesday 16th December work will be uploaded onto Google classrooms for students to complete by all of their subject teachers. If you need to loan a laptop, please get into contact with the school. Laptops need to be returned on Tuesday 5th January 2021.
Please find below the timetable that students will follow for the remainder of the week, this will also be shared with students on their school email account. It is expected that students complete all of the work set. To access live lessons, students will be sent the link in advance of tomorrow morning, they will need to click on the link at the desired times.
| Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
| Reg 0900-0920 | Live registration | Live registration | |
| P1 0920-1020 | History – recorded | History – recorded | Knowledge organiser |
| P2 1020-1120 | English Live – Miss Lander | English Live- Lander | Live rewards assembly |
| P3 1140-1240 | Maths – recorded | Maths – recorded | English Live – Miss Lander |
| P4 1315-1415 | Knowledge Organiser | Science Live- Miss Grundy | Maths – recorded |
| P5 1415-1515 | Science Live- Miss Grundy | Knowledge Organiser | Knowledge Organiser |
We will be making contact home over the telephone in the coming days, if however you have any questions around this, please do not hesitate to get into contact with us.
What to do if your child develops symptoms of COVID 19
If your child develops symptoms of COVID-19, they should remain at home for at least 10 days from the date when their symptoms appeared. Anyone with symptoms will be eligible for testing and this can be arranged via https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 119 .
People who do not have symptoms should not request a test unless this has been specifically requested by Public Health England or the local authority.
All other household members who remain well must stay at home and not leave the house for 10 days. This includes anyone in your ‘Support Bubble’.
The 10-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill.
Household members should not go to work, school or public areas and exercise should be taken within the home. If you require help with buying groceries, other shopping or picking up medication, or walking a dog, you should ask friends or family. Alternatively, you can order your shopping online and medication by phone or online.
Household members staying at home for 10 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community
If you are able can, move any vulnerable individuals (such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions) out of your home, to stay with friends or family for the duration of the home isolation period
Please see the link to the PHE ‘Stay at Home’ Guidance:
Symptoms of COVID 19
The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:
- new continuous cough and/or
- high temperature and/or
- a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)
For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.
If your child does develop symptoms, you can seek advice from the nhs.uk website at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/. If you are concerned about your child’s symptoms, or they are worsening you can seek advice from NHS 111 at https://111.nhs.uk/ or by phoning 111.
How to stop COVID-19 spreading
There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with COVID-19
Do
- wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
- use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
- wash your hands as soon as you get home
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
- put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
Further Information
Further information is available at
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
Once again, thank you for your support and swift action today.
Yours sincerely
Abbie Thorrington
Principal
IMPORTANT – Covid-19 update
15th December 2020
Dear parent or carer,
We have been made aware that a member of our school community has tested positive for COVID 19.
We know that you may find this concerning but we are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England. This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child. Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.
The small number of children who have been in close contact with the individual who has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) have received a letter informing them that their child must stay at home for 10 days.
The school remains open and your child should continue to attend as normal if they remain well.
What to do if your child develops symptoms of COVID 19
If your child develops symptoms of COVID-19, they must not come to school and should remain at home for at least 10 days from the date when their symptoms appeared. Anyone with symptoms will be eligible for testing and this can be arranged via https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.
All other household members who remain well, must stay at home and not leave the house for 10 days. This includes anyone in your ‘Support Bubble’.
Further information is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection
The 10 day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill.
Household members should not go to work, school or public areas and exercise should be taken within the home.
If you require help with buying groceries, other shopping or picking up medication, or walking a dog, you should ask friends or family. Alternatively, you can order your shopping online and medication by phone or online.
Household members staying at home for 10 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community
If you are able, move any vulnerable individuals (such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions) out of your home, to stay with friends or family for the duration of the home isolation period.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:
- a new continuous cough
- a high temperature
- a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)
For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.
If your child does develop symptoms, you can seek advice from the nhs.uk website at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/. If you are concerned about your child’s symptoms, or they are worsening you can seek advice from NHS 111 at https://111.nhs.uk/ or by phoning 111.
How to stop COVID-19 spreading
There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with COVID-19
Do
- wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
- use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
- wash your hands as soon as you get home
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
- put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
Further Information
Further information is available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
Yours sincerely
Abbie Thorrington
Principal
IMPORTANT – Covid-19 update
14th December 2020
Dear parent or carer,
We have been made aware that a member of our school community has tested positive for COVID 19.
We know that you may find this concerning but we are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England. This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child. Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.
The small number of children who have been in close contact with the individual who has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) have received a letter informing them that their child must stay at home for 10 days.
The school remains open and your child should continue to attend as normal if they remain well.
What to do if your child develops symptoms of COVID 19
If your child develops symptoms of COVID-19, they must not come to school and should remain at home for at least 10 days from the date when their symptoms appeared. Anyone with symptoms will be eligible for testing and this can be arranged via https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.
All other household members who remain well, must stay at home and not leave the house for 10 days. This includes anyone in your ‘Support Bubble’.
Further information is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection
The 10 day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill.
Household members should not go to work, school or public areas and exercise should be taken within the home.
If you require help with buying groceries, other shopping or picking up medication, or walking a dog, you should ask friends or family. Alternatively, you can order your shopping online and medication by phone or online.
Household members staying at home for 10 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community
If you are able, move any vulnerable individuals (such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions) out of your home, to stay with friends or family for the duration of the home isolation period.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:
- a new continuous cough
- a high temperature
- a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)
For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.
If your child does develop symptoms, you can seek advice from the nhs.uk website at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/. If you are concerned about your child’s symptoms, or they are worsening you can seek advice from NHS 111 at https://111.nhs.uk/ or by phoning 111.
How to stop COVID-19 spreading
There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with COVID-19
Do
- wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
- use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
- wash your hands as soon as you get home
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
- put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
Further Information
Further information is available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
Yours sincerely
Abbie Thorrington
Principal
IMPORTANT – Covid-19 Letter to close contacts
14 December 2020
Advice for Child to Self-Isolate for 10 Days
Dear parent or carer,
We have been made aware that we have a confirmed positive case of coronavirus (COVID-19) at Ipswich Academy.
We have followed the national guidance and have identified that your child has been in close contact with the affected child. In line with the national guidance your child must stay at home and self-isolate until Wednesday 23rd December.
If your child is well at the end of the 10 days period of self-isolation, then they can return to usual activities.
Other members of your household can continue normal activities provided your child does not develop symptoms within the 10 day self-isolation period.
Please see the link to: Guidance for contacts of people with confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection who do not live with the person
Work set for students during the 10 day isolation period and contact home
As previously communicated with you, we will be using Google classrooms to support students with their learning during their isolation period. Students have had a lesson familiarising them with the platform. From Tuesday 15th December work will be uploaded onto Google classrooms for students to complete by all of their subject teachers. All students who informed us that they do not have a laptop at home have been loaned a laptop today, please ensure these are returned on Tuesday 5th January 2021.
Please find below the timetable that students will follow for the remainder of the week, this will also be shared with students on their school email account. It is expected that students complete all of the work set. To access live lessons, students will be sent the link in advance of tomorrow morning, they will need to click on the link at the desired times.
| Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
| Reg 0900-0920 | Live – MIss Thorrington | Live – MIss Thorrington | Live – teacher TBC | |
| P1 0920-1020 | PSHE Live – Miss Rutherford | PSHE Live – Miss Rutherford | PSHE Live – Miss Rutherford | Live – year 7 rewards assembly |
| P2 1020-1120 | English – recorded | French – recorded | Maths – recorded | English – recorded |
| P3 1140-1240 | Maths – recorded | Science – recorded | Science – recorded | French – recorded |
| P4 1315-1415 | French – recorded | English – recorded | French – recorded | Maths – recorded |
| P5 1415-1515 | Science – recorded | Maths – recorded | English – recorded | Science – recorded |
We will be making contact home over the telephone in the coming days, if however you have any questions around this, please do not hesitate to get into contact with us.
What to do if your child develops symptoms of COVID 19
If your child develops symptoms of COVID-19, they should remain at home for at least 10 days from the date when their symptoms appeared. Anyone with symptoms will be eligible for testing and this can be arranged via https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 119 .
People who do not have symptoms should not request a test unless this has been specifically requested by Public Health England or the local authority.
All other household members who remain well must stay at home and not leave the house for 10 days. This includes anyone in your ‘Support Bubble’.
The 10-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill.
Household members should not go to work, school or public areas and exercise should be taken within the home. If you require help with buying groceries, other shopping or picking up medication, or walking a dog, you should ask friends or family. Alternatively, you can order your shopping online and medication by phone or online.
Household members staying at home for 10 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community
If you are able can, move any vulnerable individuals (such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions) out of your home, to stay with friends or family for the duration of the home isolation period
Please see the link to the PHE ‘Stay at Home’ Guidance:
Symptoms of COVID 19
The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:
- new continuous cough and/or
- high temperature and/or
- a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)
For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.
If your child does develop symptoms, you can seek advice from the nhs.uk website at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/. If you are concerned about your child’s symptoms, or they are worsening you can seek advice from NHS 111 at https://111.nhs.uk/ or by phoning 111.
How to stop COVID-19 spreading
There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with COVID-19
Do
- wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
- use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
- wash your hands as soon as you get home
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
- put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
Further Information
Further information is available at
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
Once again, thank you for your support and swift action today.
Yours sincerely
Abbie Thorrington
Principal