Dear Parents and Carers,

Thank you for continuing to support your children’s education, especially with all the worries of the Covid pandemic. This week we have seen new rules come into place to help us all deal with the Omicron variant.

The main ways to reducing the risk of Covid, including Omicron, are to wash hands frequently and to wear face coverings in crowded areas. Remember to socially distance if possible and to keep indoor areas well ventilated. This is especially important during the holiday period when families get together.

If you or your child feels unwell with any of the Covid symptoms, please get a PCR test. If the test is positive you will need to self-isolate for 10 days. If you or your child is a close contact of a positive case and you are fully vaccinated, you will need to take daily lateral flow tests for 7 days. Please remember to report all test results.

Vaccinations remain our best defence to protect ourselves and our families against Covid. If you have not yet had your vaccinations or your booster vaccination, please do book an appointment. This local NHS webpage gives options for booking your vaccination appointment in Leicester: leicestercityccg.nhs.uk/my-health/coronavirus-advice/coronavirus-vaccine/

If your child is 12 years old or over and has not yet had their first vaccination, please use the link above to book a vaccination appointment for them. If you know your child had their first vaccination 12 weeks ago you are now able to book their second vaccination. Check the link above for the local centres that offer vaccinations for 12-15year olds. This term many children in secondary schools have had Covid and missed a significant part of the term. Vaccination will reduce the spread and support children’s attendance at school.

During the Christmas holiday, the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme for children eligible for free school meals will be going ahead with limitations at some venues. Food should still be made available. Please check with your venue.

We hope you have a relaxing and enjoyable break over the Christmas period.

Please support your primary or secondary age child to do a lateral flow test before their return to school in the new year. This will help to reduce the risk of anyone coming back to school with Covid without realising it. Secondary pupils will also be offered onsite testing at their school at the beginning of term. Please do give permission for this testing.

Thank you for all the support you have given to the work to reduce the risk of COVID-19 in Leicester.

Yours sincerely

Ivan Browne                              

Director of Public Health and Sports Services                             

Martin Samuels

Strategic Director Social Care and Education