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Coronavirus
We will publish the latest department for education advice in regard to the coronavirus outbreak here together with any advice relating specifically to our school.
School Status
The school is currently open for remote learning only, with students of key workers and from some vulnerable groups attending by prior arrangement only. In line with government guidance we will start remote learning only on 4 January for all students. Years 11 and 13 will resume face to face learning on 11 January. All other students will resume face to face learning on 18 January.
Children of key workers and children in some vulnerable groups will attend school as normal during the remote learning period where agreed with the parents. Please do not send your child into school unless you have arranged this with us in advance. Please contact admin@monkswalk.herts.sch.uk if you believe your child should attend during this period.
Students with vocational exams during the remote learning period will sit these exams in the school as planned.
Government Updates
The most recent government advice on coronavirus can be found at the following link:
The Department for Education has also released advice for schools and for parents and students at the following link:
coronavirus department for education page
You can also follow the Department for Education on social media for alerts and updates:
How we keep each other safe
Wash Hands
Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds in hot, soapy water
Cover Face
Wear a face covering in enclosed spaces
Make Space
Stay at least 2 metres apart - or 1 metre with a face covering or other precautions
We currently require students and staff to wear a face covering while in school buildings, except during lessons. Please ensure your child brings a face covering with them in the morning and they understand the importance of wearing it and how to take proper care of it when they are not wearing it.
We have implemented student bubbles, one way systems, staggered breaks and we are using external doors to access classrooms wherever possible.
What to do if you must self-isolate or receive a test result
In the event your household has been advised to self-isolate, please ring the school office on 01707 322846 as soon as possible and advise us of the situation.
In the event a student tests negative, please email covidtestresult@monkswalk.herts.sch.uk with the name of the child to confirm the negative test result.
In the event that a student tests positive, please email covidtestresult@monkswalk.herts.sch.uk as soon as possible to let us know. Please ensure you include the following information to enable us to contact the health team and take any actions we may need to in order to protect the wider school community.
- Child's full name
- Name of any siblings at Monk's Walk School
- The date of onset of symptoms (or if your child has no symptoms the date the test was taken)
- The date of the last day your child was in school
- Your contact phone number.
Emails to this email address will reach senior staff, including out of hours and at weekends.
Opening Plan
School closure arrangements for safeguarding and child protection can be found here. Our safeguarding protocols for delivering online content using Microsoft Teams can be found here.
We have formulated a plan for a full return to school in September. A letter has also been sent out to all parents, and can be viewed on our Letters page.
We have also published details of the ways in which we're using extra funding to support Pupil Premium students:
In School Testing
You may have heard that testing for those without coronavirus symptoms is beginning across the country using new, quicker COVID-19 tests known as ‘lateral flow tests’.
Along with the other protective measures we are taking, these tests will help staff and students to remain in school safely. Up to one third of people who have coronavirus experience no symptoms. By testing we will help to stop the virus spread and help to keep our school open as safely as possible. The test is voluntary, but we would encourage everyone to take it.
We will be testing all staff and students who want to participate from week commencing 11 January 2021.
Covid-19 testing instructional leaflet
If you are happy for your child to be tested, please fill in this form for each of your children who attend the school. Oxford University and Public Health England validation studies show that the lateral flow tests, administered twice 3-5 days apart, are of use to identify positive cases.
• For pupils and students younger than 16 years - this form must be completed by the parent or legal guardian. Please complete one consent form for each child you wish to enrol.
• Pupils and students over 16 can complete this form themselves, having discussed participation with their parent / guardian if under 18.
Those taking the test will be supervised by trained staff. The ‘lateral flow’ tests are quick and easy using a swab of your nose and throat.
Results (which take around half an hour from testing) will be shared directly with staff and pupils participating. Where participants are under 16, parents or legal guardians will also be informed.
Testing will be offered free of charge.
Communication
The latest communications from the school to Parents and Families can be found on our letters page here.
We have published some contingency plans in case of school closure, which are detailed in a letter sent out to parents which can be found here.
Please refer to the information sent home in our recent updates on how to access work set by teachers from home. In addition a list of specific online resources which can be found on the link below can be used, this is particularly useful for students who are self-isolating. Online resources can be found here.
Other useful online resources can be found at TES Free Resources Hub (external link)
Stevensons - Uniform Supplier
Following the recent government announcements and the start of the November lockdown period Stevensons stores are now closed with immediate effect. Their team will still be dispatching orders and new orders can be placed via their website (linked below).
Remote Learning
In the event of a full or partial school closure we will resume remote learning measures. Details of these can be found here.
Trips and Visits
All trips and visits will be subject to the guidance issued by the Department for Education and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
When a trip is cancelled due to Covid 19, parents and carers will receive a full refund for any monies paid. The school needs to liaise with the Department for Education, tour operators and insurance company to recover the money due.
For parents to receive refunds for the cancelled trips please email finance@monkswalk.herts.sch.uk with bank account number, sort code, name of student and reference to the trip they were attending.
If we need to cancel a trip that has already been planned, we will send a letter home to all affected parents to notify them and publicise the cancellation on social media.
Music Lessons
Instrumental, Singing and Composition lessons will be delivered online during lockdown.
You will be contacted by your child's Peripatetic Music teacher with details.
Please contact Mrs James - cj@monkswalk.herts.sch.uk - if you need any further information
