Key COVID-19 Outbreak Measures for schools – November 2021

Public Health have put together a set of measures to assist you in managing your cases (based on all the material that can be found on our website: https://schools.warwickshire.gov.uk/coronavirus). We would also like to highlight a change in our notification process for schools. 

Notification of cases in schools (note different process for early years settings)

• For schools there is no longer a need to submit case details to WCC via the Microsoft Form process we previously used

• We would however ask schools to complete the DfE Daily Education Settings Status form, which we will use to collate important data, which will allow us to risk assess and support our proactive work with schools.
• In addition, we would ask schools to please come to us (on education-corona@warwickshire.gov.uk during the week or dphadmin@warwickshire.gov.uk at weekends) for support/advice with outbreaks (i.e 2 or more linked cases), as although we have additional data sources we will be consulting, there will be a time lag in the data we do have, and so we are keen to hear from you promptly about cases you have to provide timely support.
• We may need to ask you to complete a ‘case tracker’ form if you do have an outbreak (we can share our own generic tracker, or we can support with analysing your own trackers – which should collect a minimum of date tested, data symptomatic, date last in setting, and year group for all of your cases).

Close contact testing

• Identify all close contacts the pupil/staff cases may have had in their infectious period (in class, break and lunch times, before and after school and transport) and establish if there are links (see schools flowchart)
• Notify parents/guardians that their child may have been in close contact with a positive case (see letters)
• Notify staff that they may have been in close contact with a positive case
• Recommend identified close contacts take PCR Test, and continue with regular LFT testing. If close contacts are coming into the setting, we recommend daily LFTs until PCR result is returned. We will also support headteachers who choose to ask parents if they would keep close contacts at home (particularly household contacts of cases) until they test PCR negative.
• Isolate identified close contacts who are not exempt from isolation: i.e. those who are not fully vaccinated (need to have had both vaccinations and second dose should have been more than 14 clear days prior to first exposure to cases) – they can still be recommended to have a PCR test and continue with regular LFT testing, but need to remain isolated for 10 clear days after their last contact
• Where there are more than 30% of children in a class/15% in a year who have tested positive, please contact us to undertake a risk assessment regarding sending close contacts for a PCR test and allowing them to return following a positive result – to slow down transmission.

Face coverings

• Consider temporarily reintroducing face coverings (for all education setting staff as well as secondary school pupils (including in classrooms)) if have 5 or more linked cases (or earlier if you wish)

Reducing mixing

• Consider ways in which children can be "zoned", or how mixing might be reduced in ways that will fit with how you are operating your school:  e.g. at lunch and break times, start and finish times. Think particularly about places people congregate, e.g. foyers, locker areas, staff rooms/offices/meeting rooms, changing rooms etc. Suggest risk assessing sports fixtures, planned trips etc.

Ventilation

• Ensure good ventilation in all communal and classroom areas
• Please take up the WCC offer of a ventilation assessment for all schools with senior school age children. Please email dphadmin@warwickshire.gov.uk and we will facilitate organising this. We will also have an amount of capped funding to support schools with the immediate ventilation measures recommended during the assessments – please get in contact at the above address.

Regular LFT testing

• Encourage LFT testing regularly among staff, pupils and parents (including among close contacts who are being asked to PCR test) – as a minimum twice weekly

Visitors

• Encourage visitors to leave contact details and be mindful if bringing others onto site, ensuring full distancing if there are cases in school. 

Vaccination 

• Encourage vaccine take up among staff/parents and eligible pupils:

• Drop-in clinics across Coventry and Warwickshire and all vaccinations sites that you can book into in the links below:

https://www.happyhealthylives.uk/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccination/vaccination-drop-in-clinics/

https://www.happyhealthylives.uk/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccination/vaccination-sites/

• For young people aged between 16 and 17 years and 9 months - see drop in sites at:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/find-a-walk-in-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-site/

Hand hygiene and cleaning

• Remind children and staff to wash their hands regularly and use sanitiser where possible 
• Continue with regular cleaning routine and very regular cleaning down touchpoints and areas of heavy traffic, Please see our cleaning guidance

If you have concerns about any of the above measures/queries, please do contact us again. We will be prioritising those schools with the largest outbreaks, and so we thank you for your patience.  

COVID-19 vaccination clinics are now available for children aged 12-15 who have not had their first dose.

Vaccinating children can help stop the spread of COVID-19 to other people, including within schools. COVID-19 is usually mild in most children, but it can make some children unwell. The COVID-19 vaccination is the best defence against the virus, one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine gives good protection against your child getting seriously ill.

Please share this information in your schools and with parents and carers, so anyone who has missed their COVID vaccine can attend a clinic to get their dose.

More information about the vaccine and where to get it is available in this poster. 

Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Trust Covid Vaccination Clinics for 12-15 year olds

The below covid-19 clinics are provided by Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Partnership Trust. These clinics can be accessed by anyone between the age of 12-15 for their Covid Vaccination. If a young person has had a positive COVID-19 test, they need to wait 12 weeks before booking. This starts from the date they had their test.

A set of COVID-19 vaccination resources for children and young people are available on GOV.UK in a variety of languages, Braille and Easy Read. These resources are to help children, young people and their parents or guardians make a decision about whether to get vaccinated (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-resources-for-children-and-young-people)

Northgate House - Warwick

When:

Saturday and Sunday from this Saturday (20^th November)

Location:

Cape Rd,

Northgate South Side,

Warwick

CV34 4JH           

Times:

First Appointment: 10:00

Last Appointment: 15:55

How to Book:

Appointment available via: https://www.swiftqueue.co.uk - Northgate House

Coventry Central Library

When:

Wednesday & Saturdays

Location:

Smithford Way,

Coventry

CV1 1FY

Times:

Wednesday: 15:30 to 17:55

Saturday: 10:00 to 15:55

How to Book:

Appointment available via: https://www.swiftqueue.co.uk - Coventry Central Library

Bedworth Civic Hall

When:

Daily

Location:

Civic Hall High Street,

Bedworth

CV12 8N

Times:

Monday to Friday 16:00 to 19:30

Saturday and Sunday 08:30 to 19:30

How to Book:

Appointment available via: National Booking - Covid Vaccination Link

Help shape SEND communication with parents carers

As part of Warwickshire County Council’s Written Statement of Action, following our Local Area SEND Inspection, we are looking to improve the way we communicate with parents, carers, children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Warwickshire.

To help WCC achieve this, we need to understand more about how parents, carers, children and young people would like to receive information about SEND and the channels of communication we currently use.

Please can you encourage as many parents, carers, young people and professionals to fill in our survey to help us improve our services - https://forms.office.com/r/60w3jKG12w The survey will close on Monday 6 December 2021.

SEND partnership set to make a difference!

A local partnership agreement between Warwickshire Parent Carer Voice (WPCV), Warwickshire County Council (WCC) and Coventry and Warwickshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has been signed.

ECF and NPQ Collaborative Partnership Opportunities in Warwickshire with Futures Teaching Alliance - 'Brighter Futures Together'

Futures Teaching Alliance, in partnership with Best Practice Network and Outstanding Leaders Partnership as a Regional Delivery Partner in Warwickshire, Coventry, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire, are currently delivering the Early Career Framework in partnership with 12+ Warwickshire Schools and MATs to over 80 ECTs and ECMs.

Please check here for more information. 

Year 5 - 8 Continuity work groups

Origin Maths Hub are offering primary and secondary schools in Solihull, Coventry and Warwickshire the opportunity to participate in these free, cross-phase Work Groups.

Please find here more information. 

Inspection Data Summary Report (IDSR) release

Ofsted are pleased to announce that they have released the 2021 inspection data summary report (IDSR) to allow schools and inspectors access to the latest available data. You can access your IDSR directly through our Ofsted IDSR service or as a link through the DfE’s Analyse School Performance (ASP). Both are located on DfE Sign-in of which you will need an account to access and associated permissions for the school/s.

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2019 data is the latest available results data. School performance may vary yearly, and, due to the uneven impact of COVID-19 on pupils and schools, 2019 data may no longer reflect a school’s current performance. The IDSR displays both 2021 and 2019 census data to allow users to view the latest contextual data and the data for pupils who took key stage 4 exams or key stage 2 tests in 2019.

The following has been updated:

• contextual information based on the January 2021 census
• exclusions data has been updated to the final release of 2019/20
• autumn 2020 one term absence release with pupil group data
• 2021 key stage 4 subject entries data
• latest key stage 4 destinations data
• latest school workforce census data
• latest MAT/LA data
• latest financial data.

The school sixth form section has not been updated, yet. This update will be in early 2022 which will also include two term absence data and several developments following feedback from schools and local authorities. We will communicate this release and the changes closer to the time.

Please ensure you download the latest version of your IDSR, which will have 12 November 2021 release date.

In addition to these data updates, we have released some minor developments and have published an updated HTML guidance document for the IDSR. This includes example/anonymised IDSRs and supporting data tables in accessible ODS format.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/school-inspection-data-summary-report-idsr-guide

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/16-to-19-inspection-data-summary-report-idsr-guide

Should you have any IDSR or Ofsted IDSR service queries, please contact either:

• Schools team - School.Performance.Data@ofsted.gov.uk
• 16 to 19 team - FEandSkillsData@ofsted.gov.uk

Coventry and Warwickshire SACRE Additional RE CPD with Special Guest Speakers

These sessions are free to book using the Event Brite links. The Teams invite will then be sent to you nearer the time. 

Download here the document. 

WCC Part Time Timetable Protocol

WCC would like to remind all schools about the guidance on part time timetables. We have been made aware that Ofsted have made this a focus on some of their inspections and wanted to support school to ensure they were following the protocol agreed across Warwickshire.   

This guidance sets out the legal framework in relation to the rights of all statutory school aged children and young people to receive full time education appropriate to their age and irrespective of their needs. It is intended to assist schools and education settings in ensuring compliance with statutory guidance and to ensure that they do not inadvertently exclude a pupil illegally.  

As well as the potential impact on educational standards, a part-time timetable can present a significant safeguarding risk if not managed appropriately.  Evidence shows that children and young people from vulnerable groups are more likely to be in receipt of a part time timetable than their peers and in turn are more likely to be subject of safeguarding concerns. Every school must adhere to the statutory guidance provided in the most recent version of Keeping Children Safe in Education. This applies particularly to children on part-time timetables.  

This guidance is designed to support all schools to ensure they work within the legislative framework and outlines WCC expectation of all schools.   

Part time protocol - https://api.warwickshire.gov.uk/documents/WCCC-205639421-369.docx 

Notification of a Temporary Reduced Timetable - https://api.warwickshire.gov.uk/documents/WCCC-205639421-368.docx 

Chimp Management: Mind Management Skills for Life Programme

The Chimp Management: Mind Management Skills for Life programme is a tailor-made ‘CPD accredited’ online course that enables you to enhance your resilience, improve your communication skills, establish more productive relationships and gain insight into your mind, using The Chimp Model.

The programme provides practical support to understand The Chimp Model and to help improve individual mental and psychological well-being; is research based and has been developed by Professor Steve Peters (author of The Chimp Paradox). It explains and simplifies the neuroscience of the mind, helping participants to understand how their mind works, offering practical guidance and helping individuals better manage their mind.

The programme, starting in Spring 2022, is being FULLY FUNDED by Warwickshire LA (RRP £400pp), for Warwickshire school staff.

The programme has been designed to:

• Bring insight and awareness into how the mind works; through teaching about the neuroscience of the mind. 
• Help participants apply this understanding of the mind, so they can manage their mind in a way that can optimise their quality of life.
• Bring insight into the way in which their mind is working and relate this to thoughts, behaviours and emotions
• Develop an emotional skills base to apply to their professional and personal lives
• Build confidence and self-esteem
• Approach personal and professional lives in a constructive and realistic way and improve morale
• Aid understanding of the way in which the mind of others works and use this to improve human interaction
• Develop skills to improve personal happiness, peace of mind, create a sense of purpose and belonging
• Prevent, remove or manage stress from perceived difficult situations both personally and professionally

All participants will also receive a COMPLIMENTARY COPY OF PROFESSOR STEVE PETERS LATEST BOOK ‘A PATH THROUGH THE JUNGLE’.

For more information about the programme please see the programme flyer or watch this short video from Professor Steve Peters.

_____________________________________________________________________

Gateway Alliance have worked in partnership with Chimp Management to trial the programme with schools and this is some of the feedback received:

“It has enabled me to understand people's reactions to situations, especially children’s, and deal with situations on a human level.”

“I have become more aware of myself and my own reactions & how I come across to others.  And of course I now have a greater understanding of other people's behaviour.”

“I think the most helpful and amazing thing has been the truths and values on my stone of life. I am still working at focusing on these, but they have already helped me to genuinely stop worrying about the things that I cannot change. This is something that for the last 30 years I have really struggled with, so this has felt like a real breakthrough for me.”

“Working with some challenging children has enabled me to think deeper in what I want an outcome to be rather than just jump straight in.”

“I have been able to Identify the Chimp in me and it has been amazing for me personally to be able to notice a change in my thinking on a daily basis.”

“I have found the Skills for Life sessions both informative and highly engaging. It has given me time for personal reflection, and I am very mindful of my Chimp's responses! I also feel less self-critical and more accepting of myself/life. I have built in time first thing in the morning where I think through my day and potential 'situations' which could occur and reflect on these. I have found this to be very positive.”

SUMMARY…

What?

8 online workshops, delivered via Zoom.

When?

Starting in the spring term 2022, workshops will run every 2 weeks and take place 3:30-5:30pm. Sessions will NOT be recorded and we would ask that participants are able to commit to all 8 sessions.

Who?

This programme is for teachers or support staff working in Warwickshire schools. We would recommend that 2 members of staff from a school should attend. Places are limited to a maximum of 2 people per school.

How Much?

The programme is being funded for Warwickshire schools by Warwickshire County Council (RRP £400pp).

ACTION: To apply to join the programme please complete this form. Places are limited and will be offered on a first come first served basis.

This programme is being organised by the Gateway Alliance.

For more information please contact Helen Martin on martin.h@welearn365.com.

Sources of Evidence to Inform Practice – FREE twilight for school leaders and teachers from Staffordshire Research School

This free event will take place on Monday 13th December and15:45-16:45 pm. 

This session aims to inform teachers and leaders on where to get reputable sources of evidence both nationally and internationally. Facilitators will draw upon the updated EEF Toolkit and Guidance Reports, The Chartered College of Teaching as well as other reliable sources from the UK and beyond. This free twilight is aimed at main scale teachers and aspiring/new middle leaders as well as senior leaders wishing to make their schools more evidence informed.

Content will cover the following:

• Reflect on what makes a good piece of evidence. Understand the different sources of research-informed practice that are available to school teachers and leaders through the EEF and other organisations.
• A case study of how membership of the Chartered College of Teaching is an effective avenue of exploring and implementing research-informed practice. This will be led by an experienced fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching.
• Explore the updated EEF Teaching and Learning Toolkit and its underpinning evidence and how that could have practical applications in how we construct lessons and whole-school curricular.

Further information and details of how to book can be found here.

Final chance to book your place on the Dealing with Complex Complaints session

Given the challenging times we are currently facing, we are running a session for headteachers and setting leaders who are navigating their way through complex complaints or other difficult situations, with an opportunity to share experiences and provide support

This course is suitable for Warwickshire executive heads, head teachers, heads of school and other setting leaders who may be involved in complaints handling.

This session is being offered free of charge to delegates and is being funded by the Governor Services and School Improvement teams.

This course will:

• Focus briefly on ensuring that the Complaints Policy is up to date and the benefits of having a Complaints Toolkit
• Highlight specific issues to look out for, and identify various resolution options and alternative avenues of support
• Consider the impact of complex complaints on schools, including the wellbeing of those involved.

Date:          Wednesday 24 November 2021

Time:         9.30 am – 11.30 am

Trainers: Sue Casey and Julia Kenny with support from School Improvement and SEND colleagues

Venue:       Virtual – delivered via Microsoft Teams

Attendance will be limited to a maximum of 25 delegates to allow participation.  If the session is oversubscribed another one will be scheduled.

To book a place please email governors@warwickshire.gov.uk or call 01926 745120

Annual Christmas gift collection for local children in need

The Market Hall Museum team are appealing for donations to their annual collection of Christmas gifts for Warwickshire Children’s Services.

Over the last few years people have been very generous and it has been a highlight for the museum team to facilitate the collection.

If you would like to donate a Christmas present it can be dropped at the museum between 10am and 5pm Tuesday - Saturday. The collection will run between Wednesday 10th November – Saturday 11th December. Gifts must be new, unwrapped and suitable for ages 0-16.

If you require any more information, please contact victoriagoodall-barber@warwickshire.gov.uk

The Birmingham 2022 Queen's Baton Relay

A free ventilation assessment for Warwickshire schools

WCC are currently offering a free ventilation assessment for Warwickshire schools with senior school age children.

This assessment will be carried out by a professional firm and we would appreciate your help in facilitating this.  You will be contacted by either Terri Scott, Jemimah Oyeleke or John Turpin to book the initial assessment which should take no more than ½ day.  

It can be undertaken with your FM; or care taker or someone who will be able to show them around. 

Alternatively you can email dphadmin@warwickshire.gov.uk with “School Ventilation Assessment” in the subject header and we will facilitate organising this.

We will also have an amount of capped funding to support schools with the immediate ventilation measures recommended during the assessments – we would like to encourage you to please make use of this free offer as we have already undertaken a number of assessments which the schools have found invaluable. 

More 18 to 24 years olds needed to be the ‘Voice of Warwickshire’!

Warwickshire County Council has had a fantastic response to its new residents’ panel, called ‘Voice of Warwickshire’, with over 800 residents already signed up to share their views – but the Council wants more people aged 18 to 24 years old to sign up.

The Council also particularly wants to be able to listen to the voices of more people in Nuneaton & Bedworth borough. 

‘Voice of Warwickshire’ has been formed to give people an opportunity to share their views, so the County Council can listen to the voices of as many people as possible. 

Warwickshire County Council wants their decisions and priorities to be informed by the views of a representative group of residents, to help them to understand their needs and improve how they work with communities in tackling the huge challenges that Warwickshire faces in a world that has been changed by COVID-19.

People who sign up will be helping the County Council deliver the new Council Plan, focusing on big issues in Warwickshire, like education, health and wellbeing, climate change and sustainability, community safety, transport, economic growth, inequalities and inclusion, and more.

To be eligible to take part, people need to be 18 or over and live in Warwickshire. The County Council is asking people to sign up initially for 12 months.

Once they’re registered as a Voice of Warwickshire member, around 4 times a year Warwickshire County Council will ask them to give their opinions, mainly using online polls and short surveys.

If they are unable to participate online, the County Council would still like to hear from them and will be able to arrange another way for them to share their views. The closing date for registering has now been extended to 5^th December 2021. 

People can sign up to be a Voice of Warwickshire member by either:

• visiting https://bit.ly/VoiceofWarwickshire or
• if they don’t have access to the internet, by calling 01926 410410 (Monday – Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-4.30pm).

The County Council will then ask them to provide some basic information about themselves in the first instance.

Find here a digital flyer that you can share in your school newsletters and online, or print out as a poster to display in school.