MONDAY 17th JANUARY 2022 UPDATE

Changes to the self-isolation period for those who test positive for COVID-19 From Monday 17 January, people who are self-isolating with COVID-19 will have the option to reduce their isolation period after 5 full days if they test negative with a lateral flow device (LFD) test on both day 5 and day 6 and they do not have a temperature. For example, if they test negative on the morning of day 5 and the morning of day 6, they can return to their education or childcare setting immediately on day 6. The first test must be taken no earlier than day 5 of the self-isolation period, and the second must be taken the following day. All test results should be reported to NHS Test and Trace.  If the result of either of their tests is positive, they should continue to self-isolate until they get negative results from two LFD tests on consecutive days or until they have completed 10 full days of self-isolation, whichever is earliest.  Anyone who is unable to take LFD tests or anyone who continues to have a temperature will need to complete the full 10 day period of self-isolation.  Further information on self-isolation for those with COVID-19 is available.

January 2022 Update

From January 11, people in England who test positive with a lateral flow device (LFD) won’t be required to take a confirmatory PCR test. This is another temporary measure while Covid-19 rates remain high across the UK. Because the rates are so high, the vast majority of people with positive LFD results can be confident they have the virus. If your child or anyone in your household tests positive, make sure you follow the Government's Stay at Home guidance.

What should I do if my child develops COVID-19 symptoms?

Test your child using a LFD

The main symptoms of COVID-19 are:

• new continuous cough and/or
• fever (temperature of 37.8°C or higher)
• loss of or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)

If your child receives a positive LFD they should self-isolate immediately and they should not attend school.

Please contact the school by phone to inform us your child has COVID-19. 

Information on the changes to the self-isolation period for individuals who test
positive for COVID-19 .

Since Wednesday 22 December, the 10 day self-isolation period for people who record a
positive PCR test result for COVID-19 has been reduced to 7 days in most circumstances,
unless tests cannot be taken for any reason.

Individuals may now take LFD tests on day 6 and day 7 of their self-isolation period. Those
who receive two negative test results are no longer required to complete 10 full days of
self-isolation.

The first test must be taken no earlier than day 6 of the self-isolation period
and tests must be taken 24 hours apart. This also applies to children under 5, with LFD
testing at parental or guardian discretion. If both these test results are negative, and
individuals do not have a high temperature, self-isolation may end after the second
negative test result and individuals can return to education settings from day 7.

Anyone who is unable to take LFD tests will need to complete the full 10 day period of self isolation. 

Daily testing for close contacts of COVID-19

People who are fully vaccinated, or children and young people aged between 5 and 18
years and 6 months, identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19, should take
an LFD test every day for seven days and continue to attend their setting as normal, unless
they have a positive test result or develop symptoms at any time.

Children under 5 are not being advised to take part in daily testing of close contacts. If a
child under 5 is a contact of a confirmed case, they are not required to self-isolate and
should not start daily testing. If they live in the same household as someone with COVID-19,
they should limit their contact with anyone who is at higher risk of severe illness if infected
with COVID-19, and arrange to take a PCR test as soon as possible. They can continue to
attend an education or childcare setting while waiting for the PCR result. If the test is
positive, they should follow the stay at home guidance.

What should I do if my child is unwell with signs of an infection but does not have symptoms of COVID-19

Your child should be excluded from school if they are unwell. If concerned you should seek advice from your GP or Pharmacist, they will be able to advise you how long your child should stay off school. Otherwise we would recommend exclusion for 48 hours or until the child is symptom free, whichever is longer. 

Many Thanks

Letter from Director of Public Health to parents and guardians

• Letter from Director of Public Health November 2021 (1).pdf

Pupil Attitude Survey

The links for the Lancashire County Council Pupil Attitude Surveys are below. Please ensure you click on the correct link:

Dear Parents/Carers

This is the very latest government information about staying home due to COVID19.

Kind regards