You may be aware from local and national news stories that positive cases for Covid-19 have significantly increased over the past week. As an area in the South West, we have been affected by a test laboratory which issued incorrect negative results to a large number of people, which does mean that people may have been unknowingly spreading the virus.

In the Cotswolds locality numbers remain just below the national average, but have seen a sharp increase. More worryingly, our close neighbours in the Cheltenham area have seen a 500% increase in the last 7 days. Many local schools are reporting challenges with their staffing levels and high absence rates amongst pupils with some schools having to close and offer education remotely. At Andoversford, we are hoping to get to the end of term without further challenges, but we too are experiencing staff shortages and pupil absence. We are carefully monitoring the situation in line with our Outbreak Management Plan so that we will be ready to take action if needed.

Please pay close attention to the information in the Warn and Inform letter which was shared with parents last week. If you or your child experiences any Covid-19 symptoms please organise a PCR test as soon as possible. Individuals who have been in close contact with a positive case are also advised to take a precautionary PCR test. Remember Lateral Flow tests, which many of us are using to identify asymptomatic cases, are not advised for use by children under the age of 11. 

Thank you for your support as we continue to face challenges,