& Sixth Form Centre
Information and Advice on Covid-19 for Parents/Carers
Important! Please do not send your child to school if:
Everyone in your household should self-isolate following the guidance https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/when-to-self-isolate-and-what-to-do/
Arrange a test - if you or your child develops symptoms and inform the school of the results as soon as possible.
If the test is positive, follow guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection, and engage with the NHS Test and Trace process.
The main symptoms of coronavirus are:
Hillcrest School Covid-19 Risk Assessment
The school has implemented a number of protective measures to help ensure the safety of both students and staff.
The current risk assessment can be found below, please ensure that you read the risk assessment and if you have any queries please contact the school.
Click here for the HILCREST SCHOOL COVID-19 RISK ASSESSMENT
Information for Parents/Carers on the NHS Test and Trace: COVID-19 testing for Students
As you are aware testing for those without coronavirus symptoms is beginning across the country using new, quicker COVID-19 tests known as ‘lateral flow devices. This letter is to help give you more information about the testing programme.
Up to one third of people who have coronavirus are asymptomatic. By testing we will help to reduce the spread in school and college settings through asymptomatic transmission. I am therefore strongly encouraging those returning to school to be tested.
Plan for testing
We will be looking to test all students when they return to school. The first three tests will be completed at the test centre on the school site and students will be supervised and shown how to take the test correctly themselves, after their third test students will be given a pack of tests kits to take home and test twice weekly at home (3 to 5 days apart) All tests are free of charge.
The lateral flow tests are quick and easy to undertake, using a swab of the nose and throat. Results take around half an hour from testing.
Parental consent
Parents/carers MUST complete a consent form to inform the school whether they do or do not agree to their child taking part in lateral flow testing in school. You will receive an online consent form via ParentMail,
The testing of students is voluntary, if you do not consent your child can still attend school but must ensure they self-isolate if they or any member of their household has any one of the covid-19 symptoms.
Asymptomatic testing information for parents and adults in households with children at school or college
Undertaking regular, rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) testing helps reduce transmission of the virus. Parents and other adults in households with children at school or college, who do not have symptoms, can now access regular, rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) testing. This includes childcare and support bubbles.
Tests are fast, easy and completely free. There are different ways for a household, childcare or support bubble to collect their test to take at home, twice-weekly:
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· through your employer, if they offer testing to employees · by collecting a home test kit from a local test site – anyone aged 18 or over can collect 2 packs of 7 tests · by ordering a home test kit online – please do not order online if you can access testing through other routes, this frees up home delivery for those who need it most |
If you have any queries about the tests, and you live in England, please call 119 (free from mobiles and landlines). Lines are open every day from 7am to 11pm.
Testing is voluntary, but strongly recommended to all who are eligible. Alongside the vaccine, washing hands, wearing face coverings, and maintaining social distancing, rapid testing plays a vital role in reducing transmission rates. Getting into the habit of regular testing as part of our everyday lives will help us all to play our part and do what we can to protect each other.
What if my child tests positive?
If a pupil tests positive on a lateral flow device, they will need to self-isolate for 10 days and follow the guidance from NHS Test and Trace.
What happens if the test is negative?
While a small number of pupils may need to repeat the test if the first test was invalid or void for some reason, pupils who test negative will be able to attend school and resume their activities as normal.
What if staff or students have been in close contact with someone in school who tests positive?
The staff member or student will be notified that they are a close contact by the school and will need to self-isolate for 10 days in line with Government guidance.
What if my child develops symptoms?
This testing programme at school is for people with no symptoms. If your child develops symptoms at any time (including a high temperature; a new, continuous cough; or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste) they must immediately self-isolate and book a test by calling 119 or visiting https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.
Hillcrest School and Sixth Form Centre ‘Virtual Open Event’ for Year 6
We would like to invite you to view our Virtual Open Evening Video and FAQs document on our website from Thursday 17th September.
Parents will also be able to sign up for live webinars hosted by key staff in the school, with the opportunity to ask any questions after the webinar or by arranging a phone call discussion.
Hillcrest Webinars
Session 1 - Thursday 17th September 2020 at 6pm
Session 2 - Monday 21st September 2020 at 5pm
Session 3 – Thursday 24th September 2020 at 5pm
Parents will need to email their name, child’s name, current Primary School and an email address for the invite and indicate which session you would prefer to attend to enquiry@hillcrest.bham.sch.uk or call 0121 4643172.
When we are able to start having visitors on site again we will off course arrange some face to face transition activities and open events for pupils starting at Hillcrest in September 2021.
Week 1
Monday 31st August - Bank Holiday (No staff or students required in school)
Tuesday 1st September - Teacher Training Day 1 (No students required in school)
Wednesday 2nd September - Teacher Training Day 2 No students required in school, except
Year 13 Enrolment 1330 to 1430 in the OLC
Further details of the return to school process of reintegration and reorientation for students and COVID-19 control systems and measures will be sent in mid-August, so please check your ParentMail emails and the school website.
Thursday 3rd September - Year 7 start school at 8.45 am (Year 7 Induction Day 1)
Parents Information Morning (Year 7) 9-11am
Friday 4th September - Year 7 start school at 8.45 am (Year 7 Induction Day 2)
Year 12 Induction Day 0930 to 12noon
Week 2
Monday 7th September
Year 11 return to school at 8-45am
Year 10 return to school at 10am
Tuesday 8th September
Year 9 return to school at 8-45am
Year 8 return to school at 10am
Risk Assessments and Plans for Re-Opening
We would like to assure you that we are working through the summer to do everything needed to make your child’s return to school in September a safe, happy and positive one. The updated risk assessments, systems of control measures and plans for re-opening will be available on our school website from mid-August and a brief outline will be sent via ParentMail. We will be monitoring the Department for Education and Public Health England guidance closely and will keep you informed if there are any further changes to our start of term arrangements.
I would like to thank you for your support over the last year, especially in these difficult times. Please continue to follow the current government guidance and enjoy the summer break, we look forward to seeing everyone in our school community next term.
Free School Meal Vouchers over the Summer Holidays
The government have confirmed that students, who are eligible for Free School Meals, will continue to receive £15 per week free school meal vouchers (per student)
over the school summer holidays.
• On the 13th July you will receive: - £45 (£15 x 3 weeks of 13th, 20th and 27th July)
• On the 3rd August you will receive: - £60 (£15 x 4 weeks of 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th August)