COVID-19 Response

COVID-19 Vaccinations Leaflets

Vaccine FAQs

Vaccine Guide for All

Vaccine Leaflet Gujarati

Vaccine Leaflet Polish

Autumn Term 2021 and COVID-19 Testing

Please click HERE to read about plans for the Autumn Term and COVID-19 testing.

Remote Learning

Although we are providing this information we want to make it clear that due to all of our students having an Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP) they are classed as ‘vulnerable’ and as such are expected to be in full time education within school regardless of national school closures, unless deemed clinically vulnerable or isolating due to covid/covid exposure.

Information for Parents about Remote Learning Provision

Do I have to send my child back to school?

The government has said that all students should return to school, unless they are self-isolating and have had symptoms or a positive test result.

What are you doing to keep children safe?

Increased hand washing and use of hand sanitiser is being encouraged. Cleaning of classrooms and corridors has been increased and hand-sanitising stations are located throughout school. Students can bring a packed lunch and water to school. This can be in a bag, which will be kept under their desk. Students should avoid bringing unnecessary items to school.

Each class has their own designated entrance and exit to school, which is accessed externally where possible. If a student is unwell, they must not come to school or get on school transport. If they display ANY of the COVID-19 symptoms parents should inform school as soon as possible and get their child tested with a PCR test.

If a child tests positive for COVID-19 parents should inform school, isolate the child and follow national guidance. NHS Test and Trace will contact positive cases.

Full details of the work we have done to keep our families safe is available in our Full Opening COVID-19 Risk Assessment.

What should students bring to school?

Students should bring as little as possible to school. Stationary packs, including pencils, pens, rulers, calculators, and books are being provided. These packs will remain in school, to avoid cross contamination between school and home.

Students can take their books home, and staff can also take these home to mark.

Are face masks needed in school?

Face masks are expected to be worn on school and public transport. We are aware that some of our students are unable to wear face masks due to the special educational needs, but where possible please do encourage them to wear them.

Students are not expected to wear a face within the setting. However, based on the level of risk and known vulnerabilities of students and staff within the setting, further direction may be given by the Head. For example, face masks may be worn as an additional precaution whilst awaiting test results.

If a student is ill with coronavirus symptoms in school, anyone looking after them will use appropriate PPE until the student is able to return home, please do ensure that school has your updated contact details and other emergency contacts as it is vital that we move children offsite as quickly as possible in these circumstances.

Some individuals are exempt from wearing a face mask:

If they cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment or disability.
Speak to or provide assistance to someone who relies on lip reading, clear sound or facial expression to communicate.

Has the school day changed?

The start and finish of our school day remains the same, 8:30am to 2:50pm Monday to Friday. If changes to our school day are required due to staffing pressures parents will be informed as early as is possible.

What changes have been made to School lunches?

School lunches are being served in Crosshill to reduce contacts within BCHS.

Do students need to wear school uniform?

Students are expected to wear full school uniform, which parents should wash regularly. As the weather gets colder students will need to bring an outdoor coat.

Our blazers and PE tops have been updated with our new school logo over the summer. We are phasing in our new branding, so uniform with our original logo on is still acceptable, we do not expect parents to rebuy. We have also removed the logo from our jumpers, trousers, shorts, skorts, and tracksuit bottoms in an effort to reduce uniform costs.

Can children still do PE?

PE is being offered as normal, but on PE days students should wear their PE kit to school and return home in it. Changing areas are unavailable due to current restrictions.

What is in place for Remote Learning?

If students have to self-isolate we will switch over to remote learning via Microsoft Teams. Our onsite and remote learning is seamless so students can always access a high-quality education. Please refer to our remote learning section of this website for more detailed information on remote learning.

What are your Behaviour Expectations?

Our home-school agreement outlines the expected standards. If a student chooses to not follow this guidance the pros and cons will be explained to them, if they still refuse their parents will be contacted and if they cannot reason with their child, they will be sent home and their absence recorded as unauthorised.

We are working within very tight guidelines and have to keep the majority of our community safe.

Can parents visit school?

Parents must remain within their car or outside the school building during pick up and drop off.

We are unable to have any face-to-face meetings or visits from parents without prior appointment. Please ensure you phone school for an appointment if you need to arrange a meeting.

What if someone in my household is clinically vulnerable?

People with pre-existing conditions might be especially at risk of catching COVID-19 and so the people living with them must take some additional precautions.

If your child is in the clinically vulnerable category, you should seek the advice of a doctor before deciding to send your child back to school or not. If your child is living with someone who’s clinically vulnerable, they’ll still be encouraged to attend school while adhering to strict social distancing, Rachel Hadfield (SENDCo) will support any parent in making a decision on this where ‘strict social distancing’ may be a problem for a particular student due to their SEND.

What if there is a confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19)?

If a student or staff member is unwell, they must not come to school and school MUST be informed as soon as possible.

If a student or staff member develops ANY coronavirus symptoms, they will be sent home and advised to self-isolate and arrange to be tested, by visiting NHS.UK or phoning 119. If they test negative, they can return to school.

Wellbeing Support

The Blackburn with Darwen Help Hub has been set up to offer support with any issues that arise during the Coronavirus outbreak . Call 01254 588111 9am-5pm Monday to Friday or 9am-12pm Saturday and Sunday. You can also fill in the online form at www.blackburn.gov.uk

Other sources of support:

Kooth - online support and counselling for young people

Childline - counselling support for young people. Call 0800 1111

Mind - mental health information and support

Healthy Young Minds - mental health information and support