No images? Click here Dear Colleagues,Last night the ISC released the following alert (please note the detail included is also applicable to state boarding schools):Further DfE information on January COVID testing in England
ASCL has also produced FAQs on mass testing in the first week of January. Many thanks to ASCL for allowing us to share this link. The Government has made two major policy announcements on COVID testing in schools in the last 10 days. For clarity, on the December 15 they announced plans for weekly testing of secondary school staff and 'serial testing' of staff and pupils (daily testing of staff/pupils if they are in close contact of a positive COVID case). On December 17 came these latest plans for a staggered start to term and the testing of staff and secondary age pupils in the first week of January. Further detailed policy guidance on the December 17 announcement has also been published. The BSA, ISC and associations remain in touch with the Department for Education and will provide further updates as and when they are available. ISC coronavirus FAQs The BSA is working closely with the Independent Schools Council (ISC) and all member associations to provide schools with advice and guidance in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19). However, please note that the BSA nor the other associations referenced are medical, statutory or legal authorities and advice must be read in that context. Updated BSA alert from December 22, 2020Residential providers and boarding schools - England School re-opening arrangements for January 2021 - Scotland Asymptomatic testing in schools and colleges - Wales Testing, along with other infection prevention and control measures such as social distancing, can ensure pupils are given the best chance of face to face education. With a phased approach beginning in January, testing will be made available to all members of staff and all pupils and students in schools, special schools and colleges. The full guidance can be found here. International arrivals In particular Cathay Pacific has cancelled all flights to and from Hong Kong until January 10 at the earliest. The situation will vary from airline to airline and pupil to pupil and is in a state of constant change, Schools will need to check carefully with families of international boarders and to be flexible as the situation develops. GAP and Graduate Assistants BSA has been in contact with Letz Live about those who are arriving through them. We understand that those arriving via Cathay Pacific have already been impacted and, although those arriving via Singapore, Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi are not currently affected, the situation could change. There is a likelihood that some will need to arrange with schools to arrive in February or even Easter. Letz Live has been liaising with their individual schools accordingly. Will Dunlop, Country Manager (UK) is available on +44 (0)7368 307724 or w.dunlop@letzlive.org, including for schools who have made their own appointments, should they require any assistance. BSA remains committed to providing safeguarding and orientation training for all those arriving through Letz Live, regardless of when they get to the UK. Best wishes,
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