Full Reopening FAQs

Full Reopening: April 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

Please read the latest letter from the Headteacher by clicking here.

What days will my child attend?

All pupils may attend school on a full-time basis from Monday 12 April 2021.

Will school transport be running?

Yes. Please remember that face coverings are mandatory on transport and bus passes will need to be shown. Pupils should sit apart where possible and in Year Group order (with Year 7 sat at the front moving through to Year 13 at the back).

What are the timings of the day?

The usual timings will be in operation. Arrival by 8.30am ready for Lesson 1 at 8.40am, with the day finishing between 3.00pm and 3.05pm.

Will PE lessons be running?

Yes. Pupils should attend in PE kit as usual on these days.

Is school uniform required?

Yes. We want to promote ‘normality’ as far as we are able. If your child has outgrown their uniform, they can choose to wear PE kit instead.

Will my child have to wear a face mask in school?

Yes. The Welsh Government position on this matter is clear. Where physical distance cannot be maintained, the use of face coverings is strongly recommended. Whilst we cannot mandate the use of face coverings, we appeal strongly to one’s sense of responsibility for the wider community and of care for one’s neighbour.

Will masks be worn in lessons?

If distance cannot be maintained, yes. Luckily, our school day is designed with very regular breaks.

What does my child need to bring to school?

As always, a school bag with classroom equipment, packed lunch, drinking water and hand sanitiser. Pupils should also bring their learning files and their face covering.

Where will lunch be eaten?

As before, children can eat inside a designated classroom within their zone or in their picnic area outside. Face coverings can be removed when eating or when outside.

What is happening with Centre Determined grades?

You can read about our approach to grading pupils this year by clicking here.

Do the usual COVID reporting arrangements remain?

Yes. If your child has a symptom, they must stay at home and isolate with the whole household until a new PCR test result is received. If your child is unwell at all, we strongly recommend that they remain at home. Please ensure all COVID-related absence is reported directly to the Headteacher by emailing headteacher@stteilos.com.

What is happening with Lateral Flow tests?

Pupils in Years 10-13 will be periodically provided with Lateral Flow Devices to test themselves at home. The use of Lateral Flow Tests is strongly encouraged. You can read about this by clicking here.

Can pupils in Years 12 and 13 ‘come and go’?

Yes. Pupils who do not have lessons can leave the site to keep the overall population as low as possible. Sixth Formers remaining on site should maintain distance where possible.

Will children be able to play with one another at break time?

Yes. The usual arrangements will apply. Children can remain in their zone, picnic area or access the MUGA or Astroturf by arrangement.

Does my child need to return the laptop we have borrowed?

Not at this time. We’d like you to hold onto that device for now to support our blended learning approach.

A member of my family remains clinically vulnerable. Should my child come to school?

The advice provided by the Welsh Government is that children are safe to return to the controlled environment of school, even if a family member is clinically vulnerable. If you have concerns, please email the Headteacher.

I’m not comfortable sending my child back to school. Can they continue to learn from home?

The improving public health situation means children can now safely return to school and attendance is mandatory. If you are concerned, please reach out to the Headteacher. If you choose to keep your child at home, there will be no additional work set.

I still have questions!

Please email the Headteacher.