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