Asymptomatic testing and vulnerable students

The Government have announced that schools are closed until at least February half-term and that only children of critical workers and vulnerable students should attend the academy. This group of students will also be invited to take part in the Government's asymptomatic testing programme. Parents/carers will be contacted directly regarding this if their child is attending.

If students are attending, as well as the invite to be tested, the Government guidance in relation to face coverings, social distancing and so on still fully apply. All students will have had an induction on their return to the academy to help them feel safe and to remind them of key safety messages.

We regularly communicate with parents regarding Covid-19 and updates. If for some reason you are a parent and have not been hearing from us, then please email info@harrisclapham.org.uk so we can check your contact details. Please always make sure we have updated details for you, particularly email and mobile numbers.

We will be in contact with other parents and carers with more information on asymptomatic testing when the Government announces when all students can return to school.

If obtaining a face covering poses a financial difficulty for your family, please let us know and we will provide one. Please ensure that face coverings brought to the academy are plain in colour.

You will know that currently only the children of critical workers and vulnerable children can attend school.. 

Vulnerable children and young people include those who:

• are assessed as being in need under section 17 of the Children Act 1989, including children and young people who have a child in need plan, a child protection plan or who are a looked-after child
• have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
• have been identified as otherwise vulnerable by educational providers or local authorities (including children's social care services), and who could therefore benefit from continued full-time attendance, this might include:
  • children and young people on the edge of receiving support from children’s social care services or in the process of being referred to children’s services
  • adopted children or children on a special guardianship order
  • those at risk of becoming NEET (‘not in employment, education or training’)
  • those living in temporary accommodation
  • those who are young carers
  • those who may have difficulty engaging with remote education at home (for example, due to a lack of devices or quiet space to study)
  • care leavers
  • other children and young people at the provider and local authority’s discretion including pupils who need to attend to receive support or manage risks to their mental health.

If you think your child is vulnerable and would like them to attend school then please contact the academy directly on claphamsupport@harrisclapham.org.uk.