Congratulations to our newly elected senior leaders!

At Penicuik High School, we want senior leaders who are mature in their outlook, independent in their thinking, driven by positive values and fully committed to the life and ethos of the school. As session 2020/21 is unusual as a result of Covid-19, the established recruitment procedures and role responsibilities of the Senior Leadership Team have been revised to reflect our ‘new and evolving normal’.

All S6’s who believed they possess the values and characteristics outlined completed an application form in August. All S6 applications were considered by teachers from across the school and the candidates put together a short video presentation which was shared with staff and students remotely. A whole school vote was then carried out to appoint our new Senior Leadership Team!

Head-Boy-Head-Girl-2

S6 Student Leaders

Roy-Meehan

Roy Meehan: My name is Roy and I am Student Leader this year. My main priority this year will be to help improve student voice in the school.

Yoanna-Yordanova

Yoana Yordanova: Hello everyone, my name is Yoana and I am one of your Student Leaders this year. One of my main priorities is to hopefully bring Wifi into the school and I look forward to working together!

Deputy-Student-Leaders

S6 Depute Student Leaders

Daniel-Anderson

Daniel Anderson: Hello. My name is Daniel and I am one of your Deputy Student Leaders. This year I want to encourage more physical activities and sport in the school.

Fraser-Hall

Fraser Hall: Hi, my name is Fraser and I’m Deputy Student Leader. My goal is for the school to have more sports teams.

Michael-Hood

Micheal Hood: My name is Michael and I am one of the Deputy Student Leaders this year. I hope to establish better communication between the year groups at Penicuik High School.

Chloe-Steel

Chloe Steel: Hi everyone, my name is Chloe and I am one of the Deputy Student Leaders. One of my priorities this year is to introduce a student Wifi so everyone can have access to the internet and classwork. I look forward to working with you all.

NHS Lothian Public Health Message 28/09/20

Please see the updated NHS Lothian public health message to schools dated 28/09/2020 regarding the importance of maintaining our high standards with our Covid-19 measures.

Dear Parents/Carers,

Thank you for everything you are doing to help keep your school safe, open and COVID free.

The measures your school has in place are necessary to protect children, staff and you as parents/carers. We must continue to work together and support our school staff in making the school as safe as possible, even if this feels difficult at times.

Staying two metres away from people who are not in your household will help to limit the spread of coronavirus. This is just as important outside. I wanted to highlight the importance of keeping a two metre distance from others at the school gates. If you can, please wear a face covering to help limit spread of the virus. Face coverings help reduce the spread of droplets, and so help limit the spread of coronavirus. Whilst we appreciate this is a difficult time and these measures can be trying, if we keep working together and do our best now to stop COVID-19, for example by not gathering at school gates and by wearing face coverings, we will get through this with fewer people becoming unwell.

The new restrictions announced by the First Minister include not having family and friends who don’t live with you inside your house and you not visiting other people’s houses. Having visitors and visiting other people’s houses has been the source of many COVID cases in recent weeks. This means that if we avoid having visitors and visiting others, we will all help limit the spread of coronavirus across households at this difficult time whilst cases are rising. This will help us to keep our schools and other services open.

Finally, please remember if your child or anyone in your household has one or more symptoms of COVID-19 (a new, continuous cough, a high temperature/fever, or loss of, or change in sense of smell or taste) you should ALL stay at home and the person with symptoms should get tested. Find out how to organise a COVID test on NHS Inform or phone 0800 028 2816. Please contact your school or local authority if you feel you may need help with self-isolation.

This has been a hugely difficult time for us all, and there are trying times ahead. However, everyone can make a difference, and by working together and following the FACTS we can help limit the spread of the virus, keep our schools open and our communities safe.

F – Face coverings

A – Avoid crowded places

C – Clean your hands regularly

T – Two metres distance

S – Self-isolate and book a test if you have symptoms

Yours sincerely

Alison McCallum

Director of Public Health and Health Policy

Glencorse School Consultation

The links below provide all of the information regarding the proposed closure of Glencorse Primary School. The full consultation report and the response form can be found in these links.

Glencorse – Full Consultation Report

Glencorse – Consultation Summary & Response Form

Parental Information – UPDATE Tuesday 15 September 2020

This update will cover the holiday dates, return to uniform from Tuesday 22 September 2020 and an update on how young people are doing in school.

The September weekend break is nearly upon us and a reminder students will not be required to attend School on Friday 18 September or Monday 21 September 2020. I hope all young people enjoy the break but keep to the rules in terms of mixing and social distancing.

Return to Uniform

As you will be aware we suspended uniform at the beginning of session to alleviate any concerns around washing clothes or being able to access uniform through retail outlets.

We have reviewed this policy and it is clear from parent and staff feedback that many felt we should move back to uniform after September break. We also note many students are already arriving at school in uniform or partial uniform.

This will mean that as from Tuesday 22 September 2020 we are requesting that all students arrive at school in the correct uniform which is as follows:

White shirt or blouse

Black V neck jumper or cardigan

School tie – All S1 will receive a free tie on Tuesday 22 September

Black trousers or skirt

Black shoes

The senior tie has been slightly modified but is still black. From Tuesday 22 September 2020 all S5 will receive the new tie free of charge. More ties have been ordered for S4 but due to Covid restriction they may take up to 6 weeks to arrive. Once these have been delivered all S4 will be given the new senior tie free of charge. S4 should remain in the blue and white striped tie until that time. Old ties will be collected for recycling.

Please also note – Outdoor clothing must be removed in all classes. Football scarves and colours are not allowed in school. The present school uniform policy was introduced into Penicuik High School with the full support and agreement of pupils, parents and staff and therefore we do expect it to be followed.

There are some exceptions to this rule:

If a student has PE on a particular day they may wear their PE gear to school and either change later (an opportunity to do this will be given) or remain in their PE gear if they feel it is hygienic to do so. We are trying to cut down on the use of changing rooms at the start of the day – thus the request they arrive in their PE gear. They will be given an opportunity to change if they wish to do so and we have a cleaning regime in place to regularly clean the Gym changing rooms.

In order to allow parent to catch up on washing uniform we will allow students to dress down on the Friday of each week if they wish. This will only be in place until Friday 16 October 2020. We ask that students who dress down are appropriately dressed – this means no crop tops, ripped jeans or revealing clothing. A number of students have flouted these rule over the past few weeks and we will contact parents if we have concerns.

We realise that some parents have come under financial pressure due to the Covid 19 pandemic and we are very keen to help. You may be eligible for a clothing grant. Please follow the link below.

https://www.midlothian.gov.uk/info/855/school_meals/117/free_school_meals_and_clothing_grants

There is now also a parental initiative across all Midlothian schools to support uniform swaps through a Facebook site called Midlothian School Uniform Swap Shop. You just need to ask to join and either offer uniform or request uniform items.

Follow this link:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/297555134907502

If this sudden change in policy is of concern please contact the school to discuss how we can help.

Other Matters

In general most students have settled well in school and are following the health and safety guidelines and we are continuing to seek their views on our measures.

While most students are wearing masks and some have informed the school of an exemption there are still quite a number arriving without a mask. The school has only limited supplies and we would respectfully ask that parents/ carers obtain a reusable face covering for their child to wear at school as per the guidelines.

Students also need to remember to wear these in all corridors and crowded situations. They also need to put them on before they first enter the school in the morning.

While we have been lenient on lateness to school for the first few weeks we now expect all student to be on time for school for their staggered start time. Students who continue to be late will be required to make up time through Covid safe detentions which we will normally notified by text. If there is a good reason for lateness please inform the school.

We are currently entering our first tracking period for senior phase students and S1-3 will be following later. These new tracking periods will help us share and review young people’s early attitude, behaviour and progress in subjects. All students should be completing class work, homework and assignments on time and to a good standard. In particular, if students in the senior phase do not behave appropriately in class and do not complete coursework we will look at sanctions and meet with parents to clarify what they want to gain in the subject and their longer term school goals. We will be looking to resolve such matters quickly and with parental support but the option to take a subject and sit an exam is not a right and involves a responsibility from the young person. Future success in courses outside school means they need to develop maturity, independence and a good work ethic.

All S6 have signed a Student contract and I will write to all parent/ carers of S6 separately and attach a copy of the contract. Outside of tracking periods we will still be maintaining scrutiny of individual student progress but if you have any concerns at any stage please contact your child’s guidance teacher in the first instance.

We continue to be vigilant around student health and we may call you if we feel your child is presenting with symptoms. Where there is disagreement over the possible need for testing we will seek advice from the local Health Protection Team and work with you respectfully to resolve any issues. We continue to follow specific Scottish Government and Public Health guidelines and we have recently posted FAQ from NHS on our website. The key motivation is at all times to keep everyone in our school community safe.

We are continuing to pick up the thread of delayed school developments and activities that were affected by lockdown. This week student will vote for the S6 Leadership team including the school leaders and these will be announced in school and via the School website, when they become available.

Thank you once again for your continuing support of the school at this challenging time.

Craig Biddick

Head Teacher (Acting)

NHS Lothian Public Health COVID-19 FAQs for parents/carers of school age children 08/09/20

NHS Lothian Public Health COVID-19 FAQs for parents/carers of school age children

08/09/2020

COVID-19 and school: FAQs for parents and carers

These Frequently Asked Questions bring together some of the questions parents and carers have asked since schools started back following the summer break.

If you have other questions please look at the NHS Inform website or ask your child’s school. The school will contact NHS Lothian Health Protection Team if they need help giving you an answer.

COVID-19 symptoms and testing

COVID-19 symptoms are:

A new, continuous cough and/or

A fever/ high temperature and/or

A change or loss in taste and/or smell (anosmia).

Note: A new, continuous cough means coughing for longer than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours. If you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual.

If you or your child have developed one or more of these symptoms (however mild) stay at home for 10 days from the start of your symptoms and arrange a test. (More information about testing is at the end of these FAQs.) Do not go to your GP, pharmacy or hospital.

Everyone in your household should remain at home until you get the result of the test, then follow the advice you will be given with the result. (See more on NHS Inform.)

It is important that anyone with one or more of the COVID-19 symptoms gets tested, so that anyone who tests positive knows to stay at home and self-isolate. The rest of their household should also stay at home and self-isolate, even if they do not have any COVID-19 symptoms themselves.

What happens if a child develops symptoms of COVID-19 while in school? All schools have information from NHS Lothian Health Protection Team, and plans in place for how to respond to any potential cases in school.

Children and young people should know to inform an adult in school if they develop any symptoms.

If your child develops COVID-19 symptoms while in school, they will be looked after safely and appropriately until they can be collected. As with any child who feels unwell at school, staff will do their best to comfort and reassure your child.

Other siblings in the school, or in other schools, should also return home as soon as possible and self-isolate with their household (see question 2, below). All members of the household should remain at home until the person with symptoms gets tested. They should then follow the advice given with the test result. (See more on NHS Inform.)

Does the household need to isolate if a child develops symptoms?

Yes. If your child develops one or more of the COVID-19 symptoms they should self-isolate and the rest of the household should self-isolate (stay at home) too. You should arrange a test for your child. You should all remain at home until you get the result of the test, then follow the advice you will be given with the result. (See more on NHS Inform.)

The rest of the household should not get tested unless they develop one or more of the COVID-19 symptoms.

What happens if someone in school tests positive?

Test and Protect is Scotland’s public health response to stopping the spread of coronavirus. When someone tests positive for COVID-19 they will get a phone call from Test and Protect. For children under the age of 16, the parent or carer will be contacted. Test and Protect give advice and take details of any recent close contacts. They will talk through what a close contact is. Those contacts will be called by Test and Protect and asked to self-isolate and stay at home for 14 days.

If someone at your child’s school tests positive, or there are multiple people with symptoms, the NHS Lothian Health Protection Team will carry out a risk assessment and will support the school to ensure necessary steps are taken and all close contacts are identified and contacted. They will only know what further steps need to be taken once the risk assessment has taken place. The circumstances and the next steps may be different in different schools.

Parents and carers will be informed that there is a positive case in school. Unless you are contacted and advised otherwise, your child should attend school as normal, provided they are well and have no symptoms of COVID-19.

What is close contact?

Somebody who has been near someone with coronavirus and could have been infected. Close contacts may have been near the infected person at some point in the 48 hours before their symptoms appeared, or at any time since their symptoms appeared.

Being near someone means:

Face to face contact with the person within 1 metre for any length of time
Within 1 metre of them for one minute or longer without face to face contact
Within 1-2 metres of them for 15 minutes or more.
The closer the contact, the higher the risk.

If you have been identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive, they will pass your details on to Test and Protect and you will be contacted. Test and Protect will not tell you who the person who tested positive is, unless the person has given NHS Scotland clear permission to share this information.

If you are identified as a close contact you will be asked to self-isolate for 14 days, whether or not you have symptoms. This is because symptoms can take that long to develop and you can pass the virus on even if you don’t have symptoms. If you develop one or more of the COVID-19 symptoms, you should request a test.

If your child is a close contact should others in the household isolate too?

No. If no one in the household has COVID-19 symptoms, only the person who has been told by Test and Protect that they are a close contact has to self-isolate. Close contacts need to self-isolate and stay at home for 14 days from their contact with the infected person. The rest of the household can go to work and school as usual.

Should you get tested if you have been in contact with someone who has symptoms of COVID-19?

No. You should only get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19, or if you have been advised to get a test by NHS Lothian Health Protection Team.

If you have been identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, Test and Protect will call you to give you advice.

Should parents/carers tell the school if children or young people have COVID-19 symptoms?

Yes, it is important to let the school know if children are not attending and why. It is important for schools to record any COVID-19 symptoms among pupils and staff, as this can give early warning of any possible clusters of COVID-19 cases. See page 1 for a reminder of the COVID-19 symptoms.

Will everyone be told if someone in the school or class has symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19?

Personal information is confidential and will not be shared. But those who need to take action – any close contacts – will be contacted promptly, and the wider school community will be given information as soon as possible (see below).

If there is a positive case at the school all families will be given the necessary information as soon as appropriate steps are agreed with the school, the local authority and public health. This will not include details of who has tested positive. Information will usually be in the form of a text message to parents/carers asking them to click through to a secure link on their school’s website, or an email providing information, depending on the method most commonly used in that school. The message will usually explain that someone in that school has tested positive and that robust contact tracing by trained professionals is underway. If they are not contacted they should continue to send their child to school the next day providing they are well and have no COVID-19 symptoms.

If you know of any children or families who have symptoms, or test positive, we would encourage you not to share this information. Anyone can be affected by COVID-19 and there is no shame or stigma associated with catching it. It is for each individual to decide if information about their health is shared.

If someone has COVID-19 symptoms, should they stay off school for at least 10 days?

A test is the only way for someone who has one or more of the COVID-19 symptoms to know if they have COVID-19. Testing is important in preventing the spread of coronavirus.

If you, or your child, have one or more of these symptoms you should self-isolate and arrange a test:

A new, continuous cough and/or
A fever/ high temperature and/or
A change or loss in taste and/or smell (anosmia).

The whole household should self-isolate until the person with symptoms gets their test result.

If a child or young person tests negative they can return to school if they are well enough to do so (as per standard school illness policy), and if they have not had a fever for 48 hours.

If a child or young person tests positive they should self-isolate for 10 days from the day their symptoms started. They should only come out of isolation after 10 days if they feel better and if they have not had a fever for 48 hours. The rest of the household should self-isolate for 14 days from the start of the symptoms, even if they don’t have symptoms themselves. If they develop symptoms of COVID-19 they need to continue to stay at home and arrange to get tested.

If a child or young person is experiencing other types of symptoms e.g. a blocked/runny nose, headache, sore throat, etc., but does not have any of the COVID-19 symptoms, the standard school illness policy should be followed. What this means is:

Children who have mild symptoms, such as a blocked/runny nose or a mild sore throat, but not presenting with any of the COVID-19 symptoms, can still go to school if they are well enough to do so. However, they should of course stay at home if they are too ill to be at school.

Children who do not have one or more of the COVID-19 symptoms should not get tested.

If your child is unwell with other symptoms and is too ill to go to school, you should inform the school in the usual way, telling the school your child is absent and what their symptoms are.

If a parent/carer tests positive (or has COVID-19 symptoms) should their child stay off school for 14 days?

Yes. All household members must self-isolate for 14 days if anyone in their household develops symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19.

The person who has tested positive must self-isolate for at least 10 days, and can only come out of isolation once their symptoms have improved and if they have not had a fever for 48 hours.

If there is an outbreak in a class/school will everyone be tested? Will everyone be sent home?

If an outbreak is confirmed the local Health Protection Team will carry out a risk assessment and work with the school and local authority to plan next steps. This will include who should get tested and who does not need to get tested. It is unlikely that everyone will need to be tested. The test is most reliable if you have coronavirus symptoms. However the Health Protection Team will sometimes test wider groups of people when there is an outbreak. This is an extra public health measures to control the spread of the virus, and only when the risk assessment suggests this might be helpful.

The risk assessment will also decide if anyone else needs to be sent home. A school should not usually need to be closed. Any plans to send pupils home will be shared with parents/carers and children/young people as soon as possible. The school will be able to organise learning at home for any pupils who cannot attend school.

Schools will close only when a public health risk assessment deems this the only safe option.

If someone is told to isolate as a contact of a positive case, should they get tested?

No, unless you have symptoms of COVID-19, or unless you have been advised to get tested by the NHS Lothian Health Protection Team. This is because:

A test won’t confirm if a person has been exposed to the virus.

A person who has been exposed to the virus may go on to develop symptoms.

People who have had close contact with a positive case may have been exposed to the virus. As a precaution they should self-isolate for 14 days.

Anyone who has had contact with a positive case should monitor for any symptoms (particularly for the 14 days after contact with the positive case), and follow the advice from the Test and Protect team and NHS Inform.

Do children have to isolate or quarantine if they have recently travelled from a foreign country that has quarantine restrictions?

Yes. If your family and/or your child return from an area with quarantine restrictions keep them off school and stay at home for 14 days. A negative COVID test will not shorten quarantine as it doesn’t show if you or your child will develop the virus. Updated travel information is on gov.scot

If your family and/or your child have recently travelled to an area that is now in lockdown, visit NHS Inform for up to date information about quarantine advice.

Will a test show if someone has had COVID-19 in the past?

No. The test for COVID-19 is a nose and throat swab test. It will only show if there is virus present at the time of testing. It will not be able to tell if someone has had the infection in the past – that would require a blood test which is not currently available.

Will we be able to access testing if we have symptoms?

Everyone is working hard to ensure access to testing is available to those who need it. We can all help by only requesting a test when we have one or more of the COVID-19 symptoms:

A new, continuous cough and/or

A fever/ high temperature and/or

A change or loss in taste and/or smell (anosmia).

See more information about testing at the end of these FAQs and on NHS Inform.

Infection control in schools

Do children and young people in schools have to physically distance?

The scientific evidence suggests physical distancing between children is not essential in primary school.

Children in primary school do not have to stay 2 metres apart from each other in school.

Children in primary school should stay 2 metres apart from teachers and other adults not in their households (where possible).

All schools should try to keep children and young people in the same groups. Groups should be as small as is practical.

Smaller groups will help reduce the spread of infection if a child or young person tests positive for COVID-19.

The scientific evidence about physical distancing is less clear for secondary school pupils, so they should be encouraged to physically distance in school where possible.

Young people in secondary school should stay 2 metres apart from teachers and school staff/adults (where possible).

Young people of secondary school age should be encouraged to continue to physically distance when not in school, including at shops and on public transport. They should avoid large gatherings.

House parties have been linked to outbreaks and are strongly discouraged. See Scottish Government guidance for more information.

If there is a positive case in a class or group, will everyone in the group be a close contact?

Not necessarily. Test and Protect and the Health Protection Team will help work out who is a close contact and needs to self-isolate and stay at home.

Do teachers and other school staff have to physically distance?

Yes. Teachers and other staff should stay 2 metres apart from each other and from children and young people. Where this is not possible they should wear a face covering, and this should be for as short a time as possible.

Will schools help children keep their hands clean?

Schools will make sure hand washing facilities are in place. Schools will support children, young people and staff to keep their hands clean throughout the school day. Outdoor hand basins or hand sanitisers (gel) will be available at entrances/exits. Help will be given to children who need it. Hand washing is advised (instead of hand gel) for children with sensitive skin or allergies.

Will face coverings be used in schools?

Face coverings are made from cloth or other textiles that cover the mouth and nose, through which you can comfortably breathe. Face coverings are not the same as medical-grade face masks. If you are infected, a face covering may help to limit the spread of infection to people around you.

Face coverings are not required for children in primary schools.

Face coverings are not required for young people in secondary school when they are in class. However secondary school pupils will be asked to wear a face covering in corridors and other communal areas.

Schools may advise pupils and staff to wear face coverings in other situations, e.g. if there is an outbreak in school.

Staff in schools should use face coverings if they cannot physically distance from pupils or other adults.

Will school staff be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) e.g. a surgical mask, gloves and apron?

For most staff in schools, PPE (which may include a fluid resistant surgical mask, gloves, apron, eye protection) is not normally needed.

Schools have PPE supplies and training on how and when to use it. Examples of when it might be used are when caring for someone with suspected COVID-19 (e.g. if someone at school develops symptoms), or for providing personal care to a child or young person.

Will there be additional cleaning in schools?

Yes, all schools have an enhanced cleaning programme. Guidance from Health Protection Scotland tells schools what they should do to keep areas safe and clean.

Where children, young people or staff have to move to different desks there will be cleaning materials to wipe down desks and chairs before and after use.

Additional cleaning precautions are taken when a child or staff member has developed symptoms whilst in school.

What about more vulnerable groups?

Some groups may be more at risk of serious illness as a result of COVID-19. Guidance for people with underlying health conditions has been prepared and will continue to be updated. NHS Inform also has additional information that can support anyone in these groups who have further questions. Talk to your school if you need any more help or have any further questions or concerns.

The support required for children and young people with additional support needs will vary and should be considered in individual plans. Talk to your school if you have any questions or concerns.

There is some evidence that children, young people and adults from a Minority Ethnic background who are infected with COVID-19 may be more at risk of serious illness as a result of COVID-19. Talk to your school if you have any questions or concerns.

Drop off and pick up: can parents/carers enter schools and/or playgrounds?

Some parents and carers need to drop off and pick up children and young people. If so, they should take extra care to socially distance and reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus. When dropping off or picking up children:

Please stay 2 metres away from other families/households. Close contact and large groups can increase the spread of coronavirus and could lead to an outbreak in school.

To help stop crowding at the school gates, only one adult per family/household should be dropping off or picking up children.

If your child can walk safely to and from school without an adult, or be dropped off and met at a safe distance from school, please let them. This will make physical distancing easier for those who have to accompany their child.

Parents and carers should not enter school buildings unless required. Please discuss with your school first.

Special arrangements may need to be made for drop-offs and pick-ups of children and young people with additional support needs and those using school transport, including taxis.

How can you protect yourself from catching COVID-19?

There are things you can do to reduce the risk of you and your children getting ill with COVID-19. Children and young people may need reminded of how they can keep themselves safe. You should all:

Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, particularly before and after eating

Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands

Avoid direct contact with people that are ill wherever possible

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or elbow (not hands) if coughing or sneezing. Put used tissues straight in the bin and wash your hands

Avoid touching your face.

Adults should also:

Maintain physical distancing, and wear a face covering if you cannot stay at least 2 metres away from anyone who is not in your household.

Older young people (secondary school age) should also:

Physically distance from young people and adults where possible in school, AND physically distance when out of school wear a face covering in school when in corridors or other communal areas

Wear a face covering and maintain social distancing in shops and other public places

Avoid house parties and other large gatherings

Avoid sharing food and drink, and other products like cigarettes

Consider how kissing and sexual activity might put themselves and any partners at risk.

Further questions?

Please get in touch with your school in the first instance. Or visit NHS Inform for health advice. Appendix 1 How to Arrange a COVID-19 Test Early identification of suspected cases of COVID-19 is an important component in controlling the spread of coronavirus.

The symptoms of COVID-19 for children and adults are:

High temperature and/or

New, continuous cough and/or

Loss or change to taste or smell.

If anyone has one or more of these symptoms they need to follow government advice, self-isolate and get tested. All household members should stay at home until the test result, and then follow the advice given with the result.

Testing for COVID-19 is essential, even though in most cases the symptoms will have another cause. The test is most reliable if you have coronavirus symptoms. If you do not have one or more of the above symptoms you should not arrange a test.

Further advice can be found here: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid19/coronavirus-covid-19-general-advice

https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid19/test-and-protect/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirusinfection

Arranging a test

Children and Young People and Their Households: General Population Testing

If you have symptoms or a member of your household is symptomatic, you can request at Coronavirus test at the UK Government Citizens’ Portal (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-and-tracing/get-a-test-to-check-ifyou-have-coronavirus/)

Tests can also be arranged by calling 0800 028 2816.

You can choose whether to attend one of the testing sites or, subject to availability, to have a home testing kit delivered to your home (see section 3 ‘Self Testing Kits’).

Please note: People who have symptoms but who cannot manage a drive-through test or a selftaken home-test should phone 0800 028 2816 (you should not book a home-test via the UK portal) and NHS 24 will redirect you into the local alternative testing pathway.

If a child or young person tests negative they can return to school once well enough to do so (N.B. they must not have had a fever for 48 hours).

If someone has COVID-19 symptoms and medical attention is needed

If a child, young person or staff member has one or more of COVID-19 symptoms and needs medical attention:

They should not attend their local GP but phone NHS 24 on 111 or phone 0800 028 2816. They may be offered an appointment, usually at the Western General Hospital, Edinburgh.

If you do not have a car transport can be arranged.

In an emergency call 999 as usual.

Self Testing Kits

If you order a self-test kit it will be delivered to your home. The test involves taking a swab of the inside of your (or your child’s) nose and the back of the throat, using a long cotton bud. Each kit comes with instructions. You can watch a short video which shows the process step by step. You will carry out the test, packing it up as instructed. A Royal Mail courier will arrive the next day to collect the test and take it to the lab. Your result should be sent by text message within 48 hours.

You should get tested as soon as possible after developing one or more COVID-19 symptoms.

If you have had symptoms for longer than 5 days it is not usually helpful to get tested as your result may not be accurate. You can get advice from a health professional. If you cannot or do not get tested, and you have had one or more of the COVID-19 symptoms, you should self-isolate for 10 days. You can only then come out of isolation if your symptoms have improved and you have not had a fever for 48 hours. Your household should self-isolate for 14 days.

A self-help guide to access to testing for coronavirus can be found on NHS Inform: https://www.nhsinform.scot/self-help-guides/self-help-guide-access-to-testing-for-coronavirus

Parent Uniform Update – 2nd September 2020

Parent Update – 2 September 2020 – Uniform

Dear Parent / Carer

As you will be aware we suspended uniform at the beginning of session to alleviate any concerns around washing clothes or being able to access uniform through retail outlets.

We have recently reviewed this policy and it is clear from parent and staff feedback that many feel we should move back to uniform after September break. We also note many students are already arriving at school in uniform or partial uniform.

This will mean that as from Tuesday 22 September 2020 we are requesting that all students arrive at school in the correct uniform which is as follows:

White shirt or blouse

Black V neck jumper or cardigan

School tie – All S1 will receive a free tie on Tuesday 22 September

Black trousers or skirt

Black shoes

Outdoor clothing must be removed in all classes. Football scarves and colours are not allowed in school. The present school uniform policy was introduced into Penicuik High School with the full support and agreement of pupils, parents and staff and therefore we do expect it to be followed.

There are some exceptions to this rule:

In order to allow parents to catch up on washing uniforms we will allow students to dress down on the Friday of each week if they wish. This will only be in place until Friday 16 October 2020. We ask that students who dress down are appropriately dressed – this means no crop tops, ripped jeans or revealing clothing. A number of students have flouted these rules over the past few weeks and we will contact parents if we have concerns.

We realise that some parents have come under financial pressure due to the Covid 19 pandemic and we are very keen to help. You may be eligible for a clothing grant. Please follow the link below.

https://www.midlothian.gov.uk/info/855/school_meals/117/free_school_meals_and_clothing_grants

Follow this link:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/297555134907502

If this sudden change in policy is of concern please contact the school to discuss how we can help.

At some stage in the next few months all S4 will receive our new senior tie free of charge. The tie has been slightly modified but is still black with our crest. The crest has been moved to the centre of the tie.

Our plans to offer a uniform blazer are temporarily on hold due to the Covid crisis. It is planned however to put the Senior Prefects into a free blazer this session so staff, students and parents can see what they look like and how they will support a sense of identity. I will write to you when I have more information from the manufacturer. It is planned to offer a subsidy to support the initial phase. Once there are more students in the blazer we will help with ensuring second hand supplies are available. No student should miss out on the opportunity to wear a blazer due to financial constraints.

Kind regards

Craig Biddick

Head Teacher (Acting)

S4-6 Online Learning Opportunities

e-Sgoil is a Scottish online learning platform based in the Western Isles but open to all students in Scotland.

They are offering free, real-time, interactive Study Support webinar lessons to help consolidate your school-based learning for Higher and for National 5 courses.

The sessions last 45 minutes and are at the same time each week for 8 weeks but limited places are available. To sign up you need to log into Glow and have your examination SCN available.

More information can be found at http://www.e-sgoil.com/studysupport2020/ and we would encourage you to sign up and commit to these sessions as soon as possible as we hope they will be a great complement to what we do in school.

Pupils also have access to Scholar – the online courses run by Heriot-Watt University http://www.scholar.hw.ac.uk

S5 and S6 should already have their passwords and S4 will get them shortly.

COVID-19 and school: FAQs for parents and carers

28/08/20

COVID-19 and school: FAQs for parents and carers

These Frequently Asked Questions bring together some of the questions parents and carers have asked since schools started back following the summer break.

If you have other questions please look at the NHS Inform website or ask your child’s school. The school will contact NHS Lothian Health Protection Team if they need help giving you an answer.

COVID-19 symptoms and testing

COVID-19 symptoms are:

A new, continuous cough and/or A fever/ high temperature and/or A change or loss in taste and/or smell (anosmia).

Note: A new, continuous cough means coughing for longer than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours. If you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual.

Everyone in your household should remain at home until you get the result of the test, then follow the advice you will be given with the result. (See more on NHS Inform.)

What happens if a child develops symptoms of COVID-19 while in school?

All schools have information from NHS Lothian Health Protection Team, and plans in place for how to respond to any potential cases in school.

Children and young people should know to inform an adult in school if they develop any symptoms.

NHS Lothian Public Health COVID-19 FAQs for parents/carers of school age children home until the person with symptoms gets tested. They should then follow the advice given with the test result. (See more on NHS Inform.)

Does the household need to isolate if a child develops symptoms?

The rest of the household should not get tested unless they develop one or more of the COVID-19 symptoms.

What happens if someone in school tests positive?

What is close contact?

Face to face contact with the person within 1 metre for any length of time
Within 1 metre of them for one minute or longer without face to face contact
Within 1-2 metres of them for 15 minutes or more.

The closer the contact, the higher the risk.

If your child is a close contact should others in the household isolate too?

Should you get tested if you have been in contact with someone who has symptoms of COVID-19? No. You should only get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19, or if you have been advised to get a test by NHS Lothian Health Protection Team.

If you have been identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, Test and Protect will call you to give you advice.

Should parents/carers tell the school if children or young people have COVID-19 symptoms?

Will everyone be told if someone in the school or class has symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19? Personal information is confidential and will not be shared. But those who need to take action – any close contacts – will be contacted promptly, and the wider school community will be given information as soon as possible (see below).

Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 will be contacted by Test and Protect. They will be asked to pass on details of any close contacts. Test and Protect will phone their close contacts and advise them to self-isolate for 14 days. Test and Protect do not share the name of the person who has tested positive. If there is a positive case at the school all families will be given the necessary information as soon as appropriate steps are agreed with the school, the local authority and public health. This will not include details of who has tested positive. Information will usually be in the form of a text message to parents/carers asking them to click through to a secure link on their school’s website, or an email providing information, depending on the method most commonly used in that school. The message will usually explain that someone in that school has tested positive and that robust contact tracing by trained professionals is underway. If they are not contacted they should continue to send their child to school the next day providing they are well and have no COVID-19 symptoms.

If someone has COVID-19 symptoms, should they stay off school for at least 10 days?

A test is the only way for someone who has one or more of the COVID-19 symptoms to know if they have COVID-19. Testing is important in preventing the spread of coronavirus.

If you, or your child, have one or more of these symptoms you should self-isolate and arrange a test:

A new, continuous cough and/or A fever/ high temperature and/or A change or loss in taste and/or smell (anosmia).

The whole household should self-isolate until the person with symptoms gets their test result.

If a child or young person tests negative they can return to school if they are well enough to do so (as per standard school illness policy), and if they have not had a fever for 48 hours. You should show evidence of their test result to the school. This helps monitor cases and keeps the school community safe and reassured.