The Academy’s Response to COVID-19
We have set up this page to collate all information and guidance shared about our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For information on students working from home, please click here. If your child does not have access to a suitable device for online learning, please contact your child’s Head of House or email stratford@stratfordschoolacademy.org
School Risk Assessment
To read our current Risk Assessment in place to keep our school community safe, please click here.
Lateral Flow (Covid-19) Tests
We are taking part in the lateral flow testing programme from Friday 5 March 2021. Lateral flow tests are a form of rapid testing which can help us identify people who are infectious but who may not have any symptoms. It is estimated that one third of people with COVID-19 show no symptoms and thus could spread the virus to others without realising. As per recent government guidance, we will be testing students for COVID-19 three times in the first two weeks back to school. Thereafter, students will then be given testing kits to use twice-weekly at home.
We know these tests work – in validation studies conducted by Oxford University and Public Health England, they were shown to be as accurate in identifying a case as a PCR test (99.68% specificity). The tests have lower sensitivity but they are better at picking up cases when a person has higher viral load, hence the need to test frequently.
Though Lateral Flow testing does remain voluntary, we at Stratford School Academy strongly encourage that you give consent as soon as possible and before Wednesday 3 March at 5pm, to help keep all our staff and students alike safe from the truly devastating effects of coronavirus.
Details of each year groups 1st Lateral Flow (Covid-19) test day as well as return to school information can be accessed below.
Download the PDF – Lateral Flow Testing Schedule and Phased Return Dates for all Year Groups
How do Lateral Flow (Covid-19) Tests work?
When to self-isolate
Under current government guidance, at points it may be necessary to self-isolate.
- Students: For guidance on when students must self-isolate, click here.
- Parents: For guidance on when you must keep your child at home, click here.
- Staff: For guidance on when staff must self-isolate, click here.
Sending your child into school during the lockdown
Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on Monday 4th January, we have adapted our in-school provision for children of critical workers and those students classified as vulnerable. As shielding advice is currently in place in tier 4 areas, any children deemed clinically extremely vulnerable are advised not to attend school.
- Critical Workers: Parents whose work is critical to the coronavirus (COVID-19) and EU transition response including those who work in the key sections below:
| Health and Social Care | Education and Childcare | Justice System and Religious Staff | Transport and Border |
| Key Frontline Services | Local and National Government | Food and Necessary Goods | Public Safety and National Security |
- Vulnerable Students: Staff will be making contact with students known to be vulnerable. Vulnerable students include those assessed as being in need under section 17 of the Children Act, 1989, have an education, health and care (EHC) plan or have been identified as otherwise vulnerable by education providers or local authorities. If you would like more information regarding this, please contact stratford@stratfordschoolacademy.org.
Safeguarding
For information on how we are continuing to safeguard our students during the partial schools closure and how to raise a concern during this time, click here.
For information and advice regarding talking about mental health and wellbeing, click here.
Guidance from government and national services
- What parents need to know about schools during coronavirus
- Coronavirus contingency framework for education
- Critical workers and vulnerable children who can access schools or educational settings
- NHS test and trace
Messages from Newham council and local services
Department for Education Coronavirus (COVID-19) Helpline
The Department for Education Coronavirus (COVID-19) helpline is available to answer questions about coronavirus (COVID-19) relating to education and children’s social care. Staff, parents and young people can contact this helpline by calling:
Phone: 0800 046 8687
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 08:00 – 18:00
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 – 16:00
Barnardo’s BAME Support Service (Boloh)
Barnardo’s has launched a vital new support service (Boloh) which we believe will make a positive difference to the lives of many Black, Asian and minority ethnic children, young people and their families impacted by Covid-19. For more information, please click here.
