Covid 19 Vaccination Programme

The Covid 19 vaccination programme will be rolled out in school shortly, (date to be confirmed).  In the meantime, please refer to the documents below, these may address any questions you may have.

Coronavirus Information

Most people can no longer access free testing for COVID-19. The symptoms of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections are very similar. It is not possible to tell if you have COVID-19, flu or another respiratory infection based on symptoms alone.

Symptoms of COVID-19, flu and common respiratory infections include:

• continuous cough

• high temperature, fever or chills

• loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell

• shortness of breath

• unexplained tiredness, lack of energy

• muscle aches or pains that are not due to exercise

• not wanting to eat or not feeling hungry

• headache that is unusual or longer lasting than usual

• sore throat, stuffy or runny nose

• diarrhoea, feeling sick or being sick

If a pupil has symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19, and they have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to come to school/work or carry out normal activities, they are advised to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until 24 hours after they no longer have a high temperature.

People who are at higher risk from COVID-19 and other respiratory infections include:

• older people

• those who are pregnant

• those who are unvaccinated

• people of any age whose immune system means they are at higher risk of serious illness

• people of any age with certain long-term conditions

The following actions will reduce the chance of passing on infection to others:

• wear a well-fitting face covering made with multiple layers or a surgical face mask

• avoid crowded places such as public transport, large social gatherings, or anywhere that is enclosed or poorly ventilated

• take any exercise outdoors in places where you will not have close contact with other people

• cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser after coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose and before you eat or handle food; avoid touching your face.

When children, young people and staff with symptoms should stay at home and when they can return to education

When individuals with mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, or slight cough, who are otherwise well, can continue to attend their education setting.

Pupils aged 18 years and under

It is not recommended that children and young people are tested for COVID-19 unless directed to by a health professional.

If a child or young person has a positive COVID-19 test result or displays symptoms including high temperature, fever or chills, they should stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 3 days after the day they took the test.

At the end of this period, if the individual has a high temperature or feels unwell, they should continue to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until 24 hours after they no longer have a high temperature and they feel well enough to resume normal activities.

After 3 days, if they feel well and do not have a high temperature, the risk of passing the infection on to others is much lower. This is because children and young people tend to be infectious to other people for less time than adults.

Children and young people who usually go to school, college or childcare and who live with someone who has a positive COVID-19 test result should continue to attend as normal.

Contacts of those with a positive test result

Contacts are at lower risk of becoming infected and do not need to stay away from school or college.

Avoiding transmission

To avoid infection spreading in a school or college Head teachers and Senior Leaders are advised to continue to:

1. Encourage staff and pupils to get vaccinated
2. Ensure their schools and classrooms are well ventilated.
3. Support the practise of good hygiene

Face coverings

Face coverings and face masks can help reduce the chance of spreading infection to others, especially in crowded and enclosed spaces, and may protect individuals from becoming infected by some respiratory viruses.

Track & Trace

Contact Tracing for Step 4 Onwards FAQ

Contact Tracing Journey

COVID-19 self-test help:

• www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-self-test-help#video-how-to-self-test

COVID-19 home test: step-by-step guide:

•  COVID-19-self-test-instructions-easy-read

Understanding lateral flow antigen testing for people without symptoms:

• www.gov.uk/guidance/understanding-lateral-flow-antigen-testing-for-people-without-symptoms

Students with a positive LFD test result will need to self-isolate in line with the www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection.  Those with a negative LFD test result can continue to attend school unless they have individually been advised otherwise by NHS Test and Trace or Public Health professionals (for example as a close contact)

Some Frequently Asked Questions

Privacy Notice - for supply of contact details by schools and colleges for management of Covid-19 testing