“We could not get through this without you”: parents and carers thanked for the support given to schools during the pandemic

“We could not get through this without you”: parents and carers thanked for the support given to schools during the pandemic

Sandwell Council has thanked parents and carers of school-age children in the borough for their vigilance in following the rules to prevent Covid-19 outbreaks within school communities.

Dr Lisa McNally, Sandwell’s Director of Public Health, said: “Throughout the past 16 months the commitment of parents and carers in Sandwell has been phenomenal. Their support, their take-up of vaccines, and their dedication to the regular testing of their children have helped protect everyone. We would also thank all pupils who have kept up with the regular tests and following the rules.

“But case numbers are rising here in Sandwell as well as regionally and nationally, so it’s important parents and carers help our schools and continue to follow the rules to prevent outbreaks within school communities. Remember: hands, face, space, fresh air.”

Lesley Hagger, Sandwell’s Executive Director of Children’s Services, said: “I want to thank all our parents and carers for the support they have given to our schools during the pandemic: we could not get through this without you. And, with the school year coming to an end, we need to keep our guard up, remain vigilant to ensure that children can benefit from attending school right up until the last day of term across the borough.”

Parents and carers are reminded that if their child has the following symptoms, they SHOULD NOT attend school:

• a temperature

• a new continuous cough

• a change or loss of sense of smell or taste.

If your child has these symptoms, you must book a test for them at one of the local test centres and self-isolate at home while you wait for the result.

Secondary school children should still be doing twice-weekly lateral flow tests at home. If this test comes back positive, you must book a PCR test at one of our test centres within 48 hours and not send your child to school.

Dr McNally said: “We have loads of capacity for PCR tests at our sites, and I would encourage you to book a PCR test if you, or someone you know, get a positive result from a lateral flow test.”

If your child is told to self-isolate, you may be eligible for a Test and Trace Support Payment (TTSP) of £500. The scheme supports anyone earning less than £26,000 per year (£500 per week), who has been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, who will lose income because they are unable to work from home. Parents, carers and guardians are eligible to apply.

For more information about TTSP, visit: https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/testandtrace