Russ' Executive Info

To all #TeamHaringey6 

Happy New Year! Please see below current updates for coming back to college.

The information below was released on the 2nd January and contains significant changes please read and act on the information.

Testing

College students, and staff in all education and childcare settings, should take one self-test at home either the evening or morning before they return in January, then continue to test twice weekly at home. Colleges should continue to make LFD tests available to students and staff who need them to enable them to test prior to, and at, the start of term. For our visitors that have booked onto our VIP Taster Day on Friday 7th January it is advised that you have taken a LFT before arriving so that we can keep everyone safe.

Updated guidance on the use of face coverings in education settings

From Sunday 2 January, it is recommended that face coverings are worn in classrooms in year 7 and above. The advice is short term only, to support pupils and teachers as they return to college this term and builds on the existing proportionate guidance that recommends face coverings for all adults in communal areas of all settings. We are updating our guidance to reflect this. The advice on face coverings in classrooms will be in place until Wednesday 26 January, when Plan B regulations are currently scheduled to expire, at which point it will be reviewed.

Information on the changes to the self-isolation period for individuals who test positive for COVID-19

Since Wednesday 22 December, the 10 day self-isolation period for people who record a positive PCR test result for COVID-19 has been reduced to 7 days in most circumstances, unless you cannot test for any reason.

Individuals may now take LFD tests on day 6 and day 7 of their self-isolation period. Those who receive two negative test results are no longer required to complete 10 full days of self-isolation. The first test must be taken no earlier than day 6 of the self-isolation period and tests must be taken 24 hours apart. This also applies to children under 5, with LFD testing at parental or guardian discretion. If both these test results are negative, and you do not have a high temperature, you may end your self-isolation after the second negative test result and return to your education setting from day 8.

No other changes to date!! But who knows so watch this space !!

See you Wednesday.

Russ on behalf of #TeamHaringey6 

March 2021

To all our #TeamHaringey6 fantastic families,

After the news that we are all heading back to college on March 8th, we have been preparing hard to ensure a safe return.The aim of this communication is to make all the latest information and what you can expect so further updates are manageable and clear; so you don’t get in effect all the information in one go!

For now there are a few major things I want you all to understand as we all have a responsibility to minimise the risk of transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) in college. Which to date we have all done very successfully.

So this includes everyone following all the public health advice, endorsed by Public Health England (PHE).

From 8th March, all (staff and students) should attend college. All will be offered testing from 8th March. We expect all to take the tests.

All students will take three tests in the first two weeks (3 to 5 days apart) and then be issued with home testing kits and instructions on their use.

As part of the welcome back, each Wednesday there will be a free breakfast option for students hosted by Lisa obviously only for those who have taken the test and have a negative result.

Other specific changes include the use of face coverings, will be compulsory indoors including all classrooms and common areas. The only exception is when you are in The Hart & The Hive eating.

Attendance is mandatory. The start on the 8th March will be staggered to allow for testing and Lisa and the team will communicate directly to students regarding their actual start time.

We have made any changes necessary to our control measures by applying the system of controls outlined in the latest guidance, adherence and support from all is now crucial.

We expect everyone to follow the controls to reduce the risk of infection to the lowest reasonably practicable level. This means in college and also in the community.

I am, as I know all of #TeamHaringey6 are so looking forward to welcoming you all back.

For now stay safe and as I have said your state date and time will be communicated to you all.

Happy days ahead, see you soon,

Russ

December 2021

To All #TeamHaringey6

I am being asked; are we going online or part online in January and will there be another lockdown?

We will not close and go online unless either we are told to do so, or we have to, because of spreading infections across staff and students.

I know you feel as strongly as I do about the impact on education and wellbeing over this period and I appreciate all the support to ensure face-to-face teaching continues in college.

So I want all to be aware of the latest information and the information on the vaccination offer for students.

The information do the right things to ensure we stay open...

Get yourself vaccinated please.

The new Omicron COVID-19 variant is spreading fast. Anyone who is unvaccinated or who hasn’t had their booster is at even greater risk from COVID-19 and more serious illness. Vaccines are the best way we can protect ourselves and help keep you young people in face-to-face education.

Points to Note …..

  • all education and childcare staff and students of secondary age and above continue to test, and importantly report those test results, twice-weekly
  • FE students and all education staff to self-test twice a week and test at home either the evening or morning before they return to their education setting in January before continuing with twice-weekly at home testing

To repeat the information on Daily testing for contacts of COVID-19

From 14 December, a new national approach to daily testing for contacts of COVID-19 was introduced.

All adults who are fully vaccinated and children aged 5 to18 years and 6 months, identified as a contact of someone with COVID-19 – whether Omicron or not – should take an LFD test every day for 7 days instead of self-isolating.

Once notified by Test and Trace as a close contact, all eligible staff, pupils and students are strongly recommended to take a LFD each day for 7 days and report the results through the online reporting system and to their setting.

If they test negative, they can continue to attend their education setting. Outside of the education setting, they should continue to follow national guidance. This approach should also be adopted over the Christmas holiday and on return in January.

Face coverings

As a temporary measure, we are recommending the wearing of face coverings in communal areas of education and childcare settings, for pupils and students in year 7 and above, staff and visitors.

The DFE are not recommending that you wear face coverings in classrooms.

The guidance on face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions, and how to make your own, provides a list of indoor settings in England where you must wear a face covering.

On behalf of #TeamHaringey6,

Have a Great Break, Enjoy the festive season, stay well … All the best for the New Year!