We continue to act with caution in relation to Covid-19. We are vigilant with our control measures and we monitor positive cases daily to try to keep cases to a minimum. 

Following DfE guidance we have implemented a risk assessment and a monitoring plan to track positive cases. We will be acting with further caution when we see 5% of positive cases and may reintroduce further protective measures if needed. 

From 1st April, we will now follow the linked guidance here: next steps for living with Covid 19. 

The guidance says, 'The population now has much stronger protection against COVID-19 than at any other point in the pandemic. This means we can begin to manage the virus like other respiratory infections, thanks to the success of the vaccination programme and access to antivirals, alongside natural immunity and increased scientific and public understanding about how to manage risk.'

What does this mean for schools?

- Lateral Flow Tests are no longer available free of charge

- Adults and children with a respiratory infection or high temperature should try and stay home if they feel unwell and return when the temperature has subsided

- Adults with a positive COVID-19 test result should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 5 days, which is when they are most infectious. For children and young people aged 18 and under, the advice will be 3 days

Most of the specific COVID-19 guidance for education and childcare settings will be withdrawn from GOV.​UK on Friday 1 April.

We respect that some students and families still feel happier wearing face coverings and that this is a personal choice. As we navigate the new guidance, our position on this remains the same and our hygiene and cleaning measures will continue.

Please continue to let us know if your child is COVID positive by emailing covid@varndean.co.uk.  Please also use this email address if you have any questions about a COVID related absence. We often receive a number of emails so apologies if you do not get a response immediately.

To families with students who have tested positive recently we wish everyone a quick and full recovery. Work is available on Google classroom for those who are well enough to complete it and school bases are available should you need to contact them.