We hope this message finds you well at what is undoubtedly a difficult time given the current Covid rates locally. We are obviously aware that a number of families are required to self-isolate due to a positive Covid-19 test result, along with significant numbers of students who have been a close contact. As of today, Rossendale’s infection rate is the fifth-highest in the country, above Burnley but below Blackburn, which is the second-highest.
We continue to be in close contact with Lancashire County Council’s public health team and are hopeful we will be able to return on Monday 7 June. Their advice continues to be doing the basic things rigorously, including ‘hands space face’ regular hand washing and sanitising, keeping two metres away from anyone you don’t live with and avoid meeting people inside. They have asked me to re-emphasise the guidance, highlighting that whilst the easing of restrictions has meant that you ‘can’ do things, they are urging people to consider whether they ‘should’.
As we prepare for our return on 7 June, it is vital that we encourage all members of the school community to adhere to the latest guidance as it evolves. We strongly believe that it is in all of our best interests for all students to complete a lateral flow test on the evening of Sunday 6 June. This would significantly reduce the chance of transmission and would allow our school community to return to face-to-face learning with as minimal disruption as possible. Most students have already been given a number of lateral flow tests home to continue their testing over this week and the half-term break. However, we understand that there may be families who do not have access to those kits at present and should you wish to test your children please email school@haslingdenhigh.com as soon as possible and we can arrange a suitable time for you to collect them before 3.00pm on Friday 28 May. There are also test kits available locally and further information is available here.
Best wishes
Mark Jackson, Headteacher