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14th January 2022
Please see below the changes to self-isolation for anyone who has tested positive. The local public health advice remains in place for 5 days self-isolation for pupils who are in a household with someone who has tested positive.
Changes to the self-isolation period for those who test positive for COVID-19:
From Monday 17 January, people who are self-isolating with COVID-19 will have the option to reduce their isolation period after 5 full days if they test negative with a lateral flow device (LFD) test on both day 5 and day 6 and they do not have a temperature. For example, if they test negative on the morning of day 5 and the morning of day 6, they can return to their education or childcare setting immediately on day 6.
The first test must be taken no earlier than day 5 of the self-isolation period, and the second must be taken the following day. All test results should be reported to NHS Test and Trace.
If the result of either of their tests is positive, they should continue to self-isolate until they get negative results from two LFD tests on consecutive days or until they have completed 10 full days of self-isolation, whichever is earliest.
Anyone who is unable to take LFD tests or anyone who continues to have a temperature will need to complete the full 10 day period of self-isolation.
4th January 2022
Please see the local public health advice below if a relative/household member has tested positive:
If a relative or household member has tested positive for COVID-19 (on LFD or PCR),
pupils should stay at home for 5 days. They should take daily lateral flow tests as per Government advice.
If they develop symptoms, they should get a PCR test straight away and continue to stay at home.
If they have no symptoms after 5 days and daily lateral flow tests (if taken) are negative, they can return to school.
3rd January 2022
School reopens for the majority of classes on Tuesday 4th January 2022, except Years 6 & 8 due to Covid-19 related absence.
See the information below from the DfE as of 2nd January 2022:
Testing for students after the holiday period
The DfE has asked that secondary school students undertake one on-site test, on return in January. This will help boost testing participation and reduce transmission after a period of social mixing during the holidays. Students should then be strongly encouraged to continue testing twice weekly at home and to report all results to NHS track and trace and to their setting. We strongly encourage all parents/carers to test their child before returning to school on Tuesday 4th January, to reduce the risk of transmission. On entry to school on Tuesday 4th January 2022 pupils will be offered a lateral flow test. Any parents/carers who do not wish their child to be tested on site need to test at home instead before attending school.
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 where pupils in year 7 and above are educated. The advice is short term only, to support pupils and teachers as they return to school 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.
Daily testing for close contacts of COVID-19
People who are fully vaccinated, or children and young people aged between 5 and 18 years and 6 months, identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19, should take an LFD test every day for seven days and continue to attend their setting as normal, unless they have a positive test result or develop symptoms at any time.
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.
17th December 2021
Dear Parents/Carers,
As always, we thank you for your continued support of High Well School, we have had a very positive Autumn Term and your support is highly valued.
We are committed to ensuring that our staff, pupils and their families are as safe as possible but at the same time will strive to still provide the very best experiences for all of our pupils in the coming term and aim to maintain a sense of normality for pupils in an ever-changing climate.
School returns on Tuesday 4th January 2022. Please see below the advice from Public Health England.
“From 14 December 2021, adults and pupils who are fully vaccinated and all children and young people aged between 5 and 18 years and 6 months identified by NHS Test and Trace as a close contact of someone with COVID-19 are strongly advised to take a PCR test and then a LFD test every day for 7 days, unless they have a positive test result in which case they should isolate for 10 days.”
To keep our school community as safe as possible, we would ask that pupils are tested at least twice weekly during the holidays and the day before returning to school. We will also be testing staff and pupils on the morning of the first day back in school.
In the meantime, we would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy and safe New Year from all the staff team at High Well.
29th November 2021
Dear Parents/Carers,
Please be advised that the Covid-19 guidance for schools has been strengthened nationally and is now in line with our local guidance for Wakefield which was issued from 1st November 2021. See the points below:
- All pupils, staff and visitors must wear a mask from Year 7 onwards, unless exempt in communal areas of schools, including corridors and on transport to and from school.
- Anyone who has been in contact with a positive case of new variant 'Omicron' must isolate for 10 days
Current advice on 'Delta' variant remains in place for self-isolation:
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If a child or adult is fully vaccinated or has tested positive for Covid-19 in the last 90 days, then they can attend school if they are in contact with a positive case.
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For children or adults who are not vaccinated and are in contact with a household member who has tested positive (on a LFD or PCR), they must self-isolate for between 3-5 days, taking a PCR test on day 3 and only returning to school if they test negative.
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Anyone with symptoms should isolate and take a test.
We are delighted to announce that we will be hosting a Pupil Progress Day on Friday 26th November. This will provide parents with an opportunity to accompany their child into school and discuss their child's progress with teachers. There will also be the opportunity to meet other staff within school and ask any questions. As always, refreshments will be provided. Our Parent Support Officer, Sandra Shaw, will be in touch shortly to arrange an appointment. Please contact Sandra or Mr Coates (Assistant Headteacher) if you have any queries.
22nd October 2021
Dear Parents/carers,
Please click below to open the letter from Wakefield's Director of Public Health on recommendations for schools following an increase in cases locally of Covid-19. From 1st November 2021 we will be putting in place the following measures:
- Pupils and staff will be required to wear masks in communal areas, corridors and when moving around the school.
- If someone in the household has tested positive for COVID-19 (on LFD or PCR), the pupil must stay at home. If they develop symptoms, they should get a PCR test straight away. If they don’t have symptoms, they should get a PCR test 3-5 days after their household member started with symptoms (or took their test if they had no symptoms). If this test is negative, the child can return to school but must stay at home and arrange another test if they go on to develop symptoms.
Please ensure your child comes to school on Monday 1st November 2021 with a mask, unless they are exempt.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish pupils and their families a happy, safe and healthy half-term break. School reopens on Monday 1st November 2021.
We are looking forward to welcoming our new and existing pupils next week. In line with government guidance, lateral flow testing will be available for pupils in Years 7-11 on the date they return and twice weekly for at least the month of September. All pupils will be expected to be in full uniform and parents/carers should note that hooded tops/hoodies are not allowed. One school jumper per pupil will be provided free of charge. Additional jumpers can be purchased directly from the school.
| Wednesday 8th September 2021 | Years 7, 10 & 11 only |
| Thursday 9th September 2021 | Years 7-11 |
| Thursday 9th September 2021 | Year 6 group 1 @ Cherry Tree |
| Friday 9th September 2021 | Year 6 group 2 @ Cherry Tree |
23rd July 2021
We would like to wish all pupils, parents/carers and staff a happy and healthy summer and look forward to seeing you all in September. Key information for the start of the next academic year can be found in the letter below. Pupils entering Year 6 in September should have been contacted directly with a start date (either 9th or 10th September) and all the relevant information. Please contact the school if you require any further information.
29th June 2021
If your child is self-isolating please see the Remote Learning area of the website for timetable details.
27th June 2021
We now have 4 confirmed cases of Covid-19, three pupils and one staff member. Pupils and staff identified as 'close contacts' have been made aware and are self-isolating. If you have been contacted by school and your child has been identified as a 'close contact' please read the information below from the Public Health Team in Wakefield:
Pupils identified as 'close contacts'
At the time the initial positive results were confirmed, we asked close contacts to isolate. As the parent/carer of one of the children asked to isolate, can I thank you for your cooperation with that.
We want to do all we can to reduce the spread of the virus in the community and the wider district. This is why we are writing to all parents of students who have been asked to isolate as close contacts, asking them to seek a PCR test at their nearest local testing site.
Details of how to access testing are provided at the end of this letter. When booking you can either state that you are a contact of someone with COVID-19, or that the local authority has asked you to get tested.
I understand you may be concerned about this, but please be reassured we are writing as a precaution to reduce the spread of the virus. Whilst the risk of serious illness from Covid-19 is unlikely in children and younger adult age groups, it can still be a very unpleasant virus.
If your child tests positive on PCR then the whole household will need to self-isolate for ten days.
Please do remember the importance of hands, face, space, and where possible meet people outside your household outside or in well-ventilated places. All adults over 18 are now able to book their COVID-19 vaccination, so please do book your appointment without delay.
Getting a COVID-19 test
PCR tests for Wakefield residents
Test sites are at the former Westgate Station Car Park (WF1 1XP) and Castleford Swimming Pool (WF10 5DX). These sites are open from 8am – 8pm and from Thursday 24th June no appointment is required (although you can book online if you prefer).
This week mobile testing units are available at:
- The King’s School, Pontefract, 26th and 27th June – no appointment required for this test site
- South Elmsall Market 9am-3pm, 23rd June, 24th June and 27th June
- Wakefield Sports and Social Club 9am-3pm 24th and 25th June
- Hemsworth Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church 9am – 3pm 23rd June and Friday 25th June
- Trinity RLFC 24th and 25th June
- Carleton Community Centre, 24th and 25th June
For most mobile units apart from the King’s School, you do need to make an appointment. You can do this by calling 119 or visiting https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test
If you live in a different local authority then please visit the web link above or look on your local authority’s website for advice.
Please remember, if you have symptoms, you and everyone you live with must immediately self-isolate. Do not leave home until you get your test results, except to post a test kit or for a PCR test appointment.
A reminder of guidance for meeting other people:
- Up to 6 people or two households can mix indoors.
- Up to 6 people or two households can stay overnight in somebody's home.
- Up to 30 people can mix outdoors.
- Hugging friends and family is allowed, but please consider the vulnerability of people you hug and the people they are in contact with
26th June 2021
We have three confirmed cases of Covid-19, two pupils and one staff member. Pupils and staff identified as 'close contacts' have been contacted directly and are self-isolating. Please see the advice below:
Positive Covid-19 Cases 26th June 2021
26/06/2021
Dear Parents/Carers,
We have been advised by Public Health England that there has been three confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the school.
We know that you may find this concerning but are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England. This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child. Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.
The pupils and staff who have been in direct contact with the confirmed cases have been contacted and will be staying at home for 10 days.
The school remains open and your child should continue to attend if they remain well. We offer lateral flow testing for all pupils twice per week and can also provide pupils with lateral flow tests to take home as well.
What to do if your child develops symptoms of COVID 19
If your child develops symptoms of COVID-19, they must not come to school and should remain at home for at least 10 days from the date when their symptoms appeared. Anyone with symptoms will be eligible for testing and this can be arranged via https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test ,by calling 119, or attending a drop-in testing centre.
All other household members who remain well, must stay at home and not leave the house for 10 days. This includes anyone in your ‘Support Bubble’.
Further information is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection
The 10-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill.
Household members should not go to work, school or public areas and exercise should be taken within the home.
If you require help with buying groceries, other shopping or picking up medication, or walking a dog, you should ask friends or family. Alternatively, you can order your shopping online and medication by phone or online.
Household members staying at home for 10 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community
If you are able, move any vulnerable individuals (such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions) out of your home, to stay with friends or family for the duration of the home isolation period.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:
- a new continuous cough
- a high temperature
- a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)
For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.
If your child or anyone in the household does develop symptoms, you can seek advice from NHS 111 at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/ or by phoning 111.
How to stop COVID-19 spreading
There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with COVID-19
Do
- wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
- use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
- wash your hands as soon as you get home
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
- put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
Further Information
Further information is available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Yours faithfully,
Louise Quinn
Headteacher
18th June 2021
Due to the expansion of the school we are recruiting for a Class Teacher, HLTA and two TA posts for next academic year. Please click below to go to our vacancies page:
Changes to guidance on mask wearing 17th May 2021
From 17th May 2021 the DfE has removed the requirement for pupils to wear masks in classrooms. Pupils will still need to wear masks when travelling around school and in communal areas. All other Covid-19 measures will continue. Masks will continue to be required on home to school transport unless your child is exempt. Children who want to continue to wear a mask in classrooms are welcome to do so. Please ensure your child continues to bring a mask to school.
Easter Holidays
School is closed from Monday 29th March 2021 and reopens on Monday 12th April 2021. Wishing you a happy and safe Easter!
Lateral Flow Testing
The Government is asking that all secondary aged pupils are tested twice per week. We have been offering pupil testing since December 2020 and will continue to offer this twice per week in school. The Government is also offering families the opportunities to test their secondary aged child(ren) and themselves twice weekly at home. If you would prefer to test your child at home and would like support with accessing the tests please contact us via phone or admin@highwell.org.uk.
National Careers Week 1st - 7th March 2021
It is National Careers Week this week and pupils across the school are undertaking a range of learning and activities related to exploring future careers. Please click the button below to see a parents guide to National Careers Week:
Pupil Expectations March 2021
Parent/Carer SurveyParent/Carer Survey
Please click on the button below to complete our parent/carer survey on your experiences of our education provision during the current lockdown:
INSET Day Monday 22nd February 2021. School will re-open to pupils on Tuesday 23rd February 2021.
Adverse Weather Closure Tuesday 2nd February 2021
Due to heavy snow overnight and continuing snowfall High Well School site will be closed today. Remote learning will be available for pupils today and pupils will be emailed by their class teams with times of lessons and online resources which can also be used. The remote learning section of the website will be updated with a timetable for each class by 9am today (2nd February 2021). Please click the button below for Remote Learning or visit the section in Parents & Carers for further information.
Letter to Parents/Carers from Wakefield Council 11th January 2021
Please click the button below to view a letter from Wakefield Council on school places during the current lockdown:
Accessing Remote Learning
We now have a dedicated remote learning section on our website. Please go to Parents/Carers and you will find a section on remote learning on the right hand side.
Updated Risk Assessment 05/01/2021
Please click the button below to read our updated risk assessment.
Free Mobile Data for Remote Learning
We have access to a number of schemes that provide free extra mobile data to assist with home learning. These schemes are available to anyone without a fixed broadband connection. Further information on one of the schemes is available at https://get-help-with-tech.education.gov.uk/about-increasing-mobile-data. If you are interested, please contact the school.
Urgent message for Parents/Carers regarding Tuesday 5th January 2021
In response to the Prime Minister's statement this evening we will need to delay re-opening High Well School until Wednesday 6th January 2021. We will be in contact with every family on Tuesday 5th to discuss the plans for the next 6 weeks which will include a mixture of both onsite and remote learning. We appreciate your patience and support with this fast changing situation, however the safety of pupils, staff and families is of utmost importance.
Community Support
A reminder to all parents that, within your community, the Children First Hubs are there for families who need extra support and can help with a range of problems. Please see numbers below:
Hemsworth 01977 722305
City Limits (WF1) 01924 303272
Airedale 01977 724350
Normanton 01924 307878
Reminder to parents/carers:
If your child presents with one or more of the following symptoms please keep your child at home and book a test. If you require any support with testing please contact us directly.
- A high temperature (feels hot to touch on chest or back)
- A loss or change in what you can normally taste and smell
- A new continuous cough - this means coughing a lot more for more than one hour or 3 or more coughing fits in a day
Click below to read the latest information on how to access a test in Wakefield
Remote Learning:
For support or questions with home learning packs or online learning please email:
Staying safe online:
The link below offers top tips on how to keep safe online. We also have further information available in the Parents/Carers section of the website under Safeguarding:
Follow us on Twitter: @hwswakefield
The Department for Education coronavirus helpline is now available to answer questions about COVID-19 relating to education and children & social care. Staff, parents and young people can contact this helpline as follows:
Phone: 0800 046 8687
Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk
Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday)