Dear Parent/Carer,
This week the news has been dominated by the national picture of rising Covid-19 cases and a testing system which has been unable to keep up with demand. I’m sure you would all have seen the Prime Minister’s statement on Tuesday 22 September where he announced a series of new restrictions which came into force yesterday to try to address this.
With the increase in Covid-19 cases nationally, the difficulty in getting tests and the rise in students needing to self-isolate while waiting for test results, it is vital that we follow the guidance set out by the Prime Minister and that we all continue to adhere to social distancing guidelines and maintain good hygiene when outside of our homes.
In school, students have responded extremely well to the measures we have put in place and the safety of our students remains of paramount importance. I want to assure you that the action we have taken in response to positive cases has been swift, precise and in line with all the advice of both Public Health England and the DfE. Through monitoring robust seating plans in classrooms and minimising access to areas of the school and shared spaces during social times, we have been, and will continue to be able to identify ‘close contacts’ almost immediately. We are also mindful that the circumstances around each positive case are individual and we will adapt our procedures accordingly and in line with the guidance. This means that we can safeguard any students at risk of transmission efficiently whilst not having to take mass action such as closing down entire year groups. Thus ensuring that your children’s access to high quality face-to-face learning is maintained without compromising immediate risk of transmission.
Whilst there has been no change to the guidance for schools in relation to Covid-19 safety measures, we are acutely aware of how tight some of our indoor corridor spaces are. As such, from Monday our guidance to both staff and students is that face coverings are advised during lesson changeovers where people are moving in corridors. As has always been the case, students must continue to wear face coverings when travelling to and from school on public transport and if using local shops and facilities before and after school. We have had a number of reports from local businesses where some students have not had masks and I ask that you support us in promoting safety within our community by ensuring your child comes to school with an appropriate face covering.
In addition, as part of our strategy to avoid transmission of Covid-19 in school, we are keeping windows open to allow for proper ventilation within the school facilities. As we are now heading towards the cooler months, you may want to consider purchasing a school jumper. School jumpers are optional and available to purchase at Morley’s in Chaddesden or online at
https://www.schoolwearsolutions.com/product-category/our-schools/heanor-gate-science-college/
We will continue to communicate any updates to you as promptly as we can. Please continue to report any Covid-19 related absence by phoning the school. In the event of a positive Covid-19 test result, it is important you contact us straight away, so we can act as quickly as possible.
I would like to thank you all for the support you have shown the school throughout this difficult time. Please continue to stay safe and support each other and our community as best we can.
Yours sincerely,
Mr S Huntington
Executive Principal