Dear families,
As I am sure you are aware, bubbles are closing, and children are being sent home from school across Gateshead. Harlow Green currently has two bubbles closed and, although this is necessary, the impact on families is significant as well as affecting what we have planned for those children in school.
The current wave of transmission is escalating at a very fast pace and this is concerning. Thankfully, hospitalisation is still quite low, but Gateshead schools are seeing examples of bubbles closing and then this leading to multiple positive cases across the group who are isolating. This is impacting both Primary and Secondary aged children which we know impacts on many of our families who have children in both settings, or children in multiple classes at Harlow Green.
The Local Authority are encouraging parents/carers to consider the situation carefully and to follow isolation procedures correctly, which has been communicated via a letter to all schools (Click here).
What does this mean for me?
If your child has any of the three symptoms (new cough, a high temperature, loss of taste or smell), you must not send them to school. You must book a PCR a test and let us know, the date of the symptoms and the date and time of the PCR.
If anyone in your household has symptoms, then you must not send your child in as they must isolate with the household. Wait for the symptomatic person’s PCR result and only send your child in if that test is negative. If you know that your child has been a close contact with someone who has symptoms and is awaiting a result, the same applies.
It is vital that you follow these protocols. If families do not follow these protocols, there could be a significant impact on other families.
Amongst all other aspects of my role, the key aspect at this point is for me to keep school open for as many children as possible – I know we all agree that they have missed enough school already. Closing bubbles, so close to the end of term, is the last thing any of us want and we want to reduce this potential with your support.
We all have our part to play in keeping everyone else safe and I appreciate your understanding during this difficult time.
Yours faithfully,
Mr M. Malik
Head Teacher
