Dear Parents and Carers
Year 7 pupils have started this morning and Year 12 have also returned. It has been delightful to meet them and to start our new school year. We are looking forward to welcoming back all pupils tomorrow morning.
I have been asked to write to you this morning by CCBC to confirm the WG changes to contact tracing and self-isolation as below.
Changes to contact tracing and self-isolation from this September
As we return to school, there are some new arrangements in place when someone tests positive for COVID-19. WG state that these changes have been made possible by the vaccination programme and the significant reduction in numbers being hospitalised and suffering severe illness due to COVID-19 over recent months.
If your child tests positive for COVID-19 using a PCR test, NHS Test, Trace, Protect (TTP) will contact you, using the details provided when the PCR test was ordered. They will ask questions designed to identify recent close contacts of your child, and for contact details - if you know them - of the individual or their parent/guardian. TTP will then get in touch with these close contacts to provide instructions or advice.
Those who are under 18 or fully vaccinated are no longer required to self-isolate if they are identified as close contacts. But they will be contacted to let them know that they’ve been in close contact with someone who has tested positive. They will also be offered two PCR tests and provided with information and advice on how to minimise the risks of onward spread. If your child is identified as a close contact, they can still attend school unless they develop symptoms or are advised otherwise by TTP. Please continue to let us know if your child tests positive by contacting the school by telephone in the school day or by emailing the school on stcca@caerphilly.gov.uk outside of school hours.
If a child tests positive, it is likely that only a minority of their classmates will be identified as close contacts. But if there is a pattern of positive cases TTP may ask me to update you on the situation and remind you of key steps, including advising you to keep an eye out for new symptoms your child may develop, and to stay away from vulnerable family and friends in the short-term.
We do expect that there will be cases of COVID-19 across the community over the coming weeks, but this does not mean that COVID-19 is spreading within the school. Please continue to be vigilant for symptoms. If you are in any doubt, order a PCR test for your child at www.gov.uk/get‑coronavirus‑test or by calling 119.
Anyone with symptoms - a new continuous cough, fever or high temperature or loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste - should remain in self-isolation until the test result is known. You can find the latest information on self-isolation arrangements at www.gov.wales/self‑isolation.
We recognise how difficult the past 18 months have been and the sacrifices that all families have had to make. Thank you for everything you have done to support your child and our school.
I will write to you again in the coming days with a list of key dates for your diary for 2021/22 academic year.
Yours sincerely
Miss Collins
Headteacher