Director's Message - 14th September 2020
Dear Colleagues,
This week's DfE key points are highlighted below. The full update on guidance can be accessed via our FAQs on LEAP.
Well-being for Education - a last call for lead contact details
As explained last week, the DfE has launched a wellbeing for education return project to provide additional support to schools and colleges. This will enable education staff to promote and support the wellbeing and mental health of pupils and students as they return to full-time education this autumn. In order to start this off in Hillingdon, please complete this wellbeing form link to provide the contact details of the appropriate school lead to receive training. This is usually your SENCO, Senior Lead for Mental Health, Designated Safeguarding Lead, Pastoral, PSHE Lead or Senior Leadership Team Member.
Who to contact if schools have confirmed cases of Covid-19?
The DfE has confirmed that schools do not need to report suspected cases. Test and trace advice should be followed with suspected cases and this is provided to the person applying for the test.
All pupils (Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and above) - schools to make contact if they have 1 or more confirmed cases.
Schools should contact the following 3 teams in this order:
London Coronavirus Response Cell (LCRC) (0300 303 0450) for advice on school actions
LBH Public Health Team (01895 250095) to report locally
School Improvement Service (education@hillingdon.gov.uk) to notify the RSC / Education Service
Once schools trigger LCRC medical advice, they should follow this as per DfE guidance. The DfE's advice is general national guidance and the LCRC will provide schools with specific actions on a case by case basis. Depending on the medical assessment, the outcomes and schools actions could be different for all schools. Comparing cases between schools should be avoided.
#Lookcloser campaign
The Children's Society in partnership with other agencies have rolled out the #Lookcloser campaign today. Please see the attached posters to help promote the campaign.
Free School Meals update
Eligibility has extended to some groups who have No Recourse to Public Funds and only this group has an increase in the income threshold from £16,190 a year to £31,500 a year for London. The usual public group threshold remains at £16,190.
For pupils who cannot attend school during term time, the preference is for schools to work with their current catering provider to see if they can help with food parcels (weekly parcels are possible). Schools don't need to deliver these to homes and families can request a friend to collect the food parcels on their behalf. This is only for pupils who meet the benefits-related free school meals eligibility criteria and not universal infant meals.
Sexual Health Week
For Sexual Health Week (14th -20th September) Brook are hosting the UK's biggest RSE lesson. Schools can join in and register to watch this via assembly or in class next Wednesday 16th September from 10am - 11am. Please use the following link to register and take part in this nationwide event.
Covid-19 Communications to be shared with school stakeholders
As I'm sure you're aware, Covid-19 rates are rising nationally and across London. Following the launch of the new hands faces space slogan and the Rule of 6, the Council would appreciate if the attached letter could be shared with your staff, pupils, parents and carers.
Please continue to email the Education Team via education@hilingdon.gov.uk for any support.
Regards,
Dan
