We are really looking forward to welcoming students and staff back to St Bart’s from the 8 March for face to face teaching. We are busy preparing the school for the students’ return including expanding our testing provision which has been running successfully since January.
As outlined in our recent letters to all parents and carers, in line with the Government’s guidance, we will be asking all students to take a lateral flow device (LFD) test prior to returning to school and then two further tests during the first two weeks of school. This is important, so that we can ensure the school community remains as safe as possible. You should have received a letter with further details about testing times.
Our students have not found the testing experience difficult and have been reassured by the opportunity to be tested. Our testing team support our students really well through their swab test and we will be sending further information to parents and students before students return. The quotes from a number of our Year 9 students should help to reassure students returning to school.
“The staff that do the test are really helpful, and they explain everything really clearly”
“It’s a bit uncomfortable, but it is really easy to do”
“The swab up your nose is a bit uncomfortable and it makes you sneeze, but it’s nothing to be worried about”
“It’s important for students to be tested as it’s reassuring for everyone”
All our existing Covid safety measures will remain in place and we will follow all the latest government guidance. We realise that for some students the transition back to school may seem daunting but all our teaching and pastoral staff will be ready to assist our students in settling back in to St Bart’s.
Please refer to the letter sent last week for confirmation of routines and expectations and school day start and finish times for all year groups from 8 March.
