COVID Information
Remote Education Information
There may be occasions when pupils undertake learning remotely, for example, due to non-illness related absence from school.
Our school embraces remote learning and is committed to ensuring all remote learning is of the highest quality possible and that staff and pupils are well prepared to engage in this way. We ensure the safeguarding and mental well-being are at the forefront of what we do for our pupils, whilst not in school, at the same time continuing their education.
- During the first 1-2 days, school may direct the parent/carer toward online learning activities which will support what their child has been learning in school.
- Teachers will then provide physical work or online lessons in line with the curriculum.
- Daily contact will be made with the pupil, via phone call, TEAMS or a face to face visit.
- An example of the school day can be found on the individual pages for Trent Vale and Blythe Bridge, this will support parents/carers in structuring the day.
- Pupils would be expected to complete a minimum of 4 hours of learning and 1 hours devoted to activities supporting their Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs.
- Work will be marked and feedback provided by the teacher.
- If you are struggling to access work for your child, please contact the school immediately and we will provide, advice, guidance and support.
Letter for parents about COVID-19
13th September 2021
Advice to All Parents/Carers
We have been advised by Public Health England that there have been several confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the school, amongst both staff and pupils.
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.
This situation has been discussed with the local authority. Unfortunately due to the high number of staff involved, the upper school Blythe Bridge site, will need to close as of today Monday 13th September, to all pupils until at least Thursday 16th September. I am hoping to reorganise staffing so that from Friday we can offer some schooling to class groups unaffected by either staff or pupil infections, possibly on a rota basis. We will keep this under review and I hope you will work with us during this difficult time. Where pupils have to remain at home we will endeviour to provide work for them. I know this is not a good start to the school year but I can assure you this decision has not been taken lighly.
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 7 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 14 days.
The 14-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.
Household members staying at home for 14 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
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:
•new continuous cough and/or
•high temperature
•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 or anyone in the household does develop symptoms, you can seek advice from NHS 111 at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/ 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/
Yours sincerely
Mr R. Hall
Acting Headteacher
Letter for parents about COVID-19 symptoms
23rd September 2020
Public Health England have produced a letter for schools to distribute to parents which explains when a person requires a coronavirus test and what the symptoms of coronavirus are. The Department would be grateful if you could share and circulate this letter amongst parents at your school.
The intention of the letter is to help prevent children being taken out of school unnecessarily and answer some of the questions parents may have around testing.
Portland School closure and access arrangements for parents and pupils
Portland School COVID Secure information updated September 2020:
Blythe Bridge Risk Assessment 
Trent Vale Risk Assessment
COVID-19 Government Guidance
Mental Health Research
The Staffordshire Youth Commission has today launched two surveys looking at the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on education and the mental health of students and parents.
The surveys can be accessed via the below links:
Parents Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/5FLJKTS
Students Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/5FSPK5G
