Parents urged to support local schools as end of term approaches

Parents and carers in North East Lincolnshire are being asked to support the area’s schools as the end of term approaches.

Head teachers, school leaders and staff have been magnificent in their care for the area’s children and young people during an extraordinary and challenging school year.

They have had to adapt quickly and put appropriate measures in place to keep children and staff as safe as possible. 

As local coronavirus cases continue to increase, everyone can help limit the spread as the end of term approaches.

Case numbers are rising, our rates are high and this will inevitably be reflected in schools given the household is still the most frequent exposure environment.

The Delta variant of the virus spreads more easily from person to person which increases risks within and outside of school settings.   

Nobody wants their children to miss out on school activities as they reach the end of a turbulent year.

The Council is calling on parents, carers and children to stick to the rules and help stop the spread.

They ask parents and carers to follow isolation requirements where their child is a positive case or a close contact.

If you need support for isolation, including isolation support payments where they are eligible, please phone 01472 313131 option 0.

Councillor Ian Lindley, portfolio holder for children, education and skills at North East Lincolnshire Council, said:

“Schools have worked tremendously hard to keep your children and staff safe during the pandemic.

“We can all help through these final few weeks by taking steps to stop the virus spreading.

“Things like social distancing, limiting contact with other people, wearing a mask in shops and enclosed public spaces, and washing your hands regularly, are all very effective.

“Social distancing can be difficult in some situations, but in these cases there are a wide array of safety measures in place to limit the spread of the virus and protect people from exposure to it.

“As we countdown to the school holidays, I urge all parents and carers to follow the measures put in place to keep everyone safe.”

Minimise the spread

Schools are taking the measures below to minimise the risk of Covid:

• Rigorous Covid risk assessments that cover staff, students and operation of the school buildings and site.
• Operating class and year group bubbles to restrict the number of close contacts.
• Daily wellbeing checks, virtual or home visits, for children isolating and/ or undertaking remote learning.
• Remote learning programme.
• Reinforcing ‘Hands, Face, Space’ guidance.
• Ventilating classrooms, offices etc.
• Wearing PPE when and where required.
• Staff wearing face coverings when moving around the buildings.
• Staggered start and finish to the day, staggered breaks and lunchtime.
• Thorough cleaning throughout the day.
• Following the Lateral Flow and PCR testing regime for staff and students.
• Minimising visitors to the school.
• Holding virtual celebration events, parents evenings, and transition meetings.
• Working closely with the DfE, PHE and local public health teams regarding suspected cases, confirmed cases, and isolating students.
• Adhering to the guidance in the government documents available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/schools-coronavirus-covid-19-operational-guidance