Government guidance on travel and quarantines.

On 21 April 2021, the council hosted a COVID-19 webinar on Facebook live with the latest information on local data, testing, vaccines and keeping schools and childcare settings safe.

It has come to our attention that rumours and videos are spreading especially amongst secondary school pupils and parents and show Covid-19 self test kit box with "sterile EO" written on the back of the box. 

This also incorrectly states that the swap is "coated in Ethlene Oxide" and is causing cancer in children.

The Council have put together a Factsheet to answer some of your questions and list the facts about these tests.

Following a number of queries from Headteachers and discussions with colleagues in Public Health, the Council have put together advice regarding pupils and Lateral Flow Tests. 

A Public Health update and clarity on Lateral Flow Tests for primary schools.

Testing programme for staff in primary, school-based nurseries and maintained nursery schools.

Covid-19 national lockdown update for primary and secondary schools in Waltham Forest.

On Monday 4 January 2021 the Prime Minister announced a new national lockdown for the UK. During the period of the national lockdown, schools, alternative provision, pecial schools and colleges will remain open to vulnerable children and young people and the children of critical workers only.

As ever, the Waltham Forest Public Health team is here to support you and if you have any questions, please email public.health@walthamforest.gov.uk

We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing efforts of all staff working across childcare and early years. We hope you can all have a very well deserved and restful Christmas break.

Isolation periods for close contact of those with Covid-19 has changed from 14 days to 10 days. This updates from Public Health informs you of: Isolation for those who have been in close contact with someone with Covid-19; Isolation for those with Covid-19 and People who are already isolating.

The Department for Education COVID-19 helpline and the PHE Advice Service (option 1) will be available over the holidays to answer any questions you have about COVID-19 relating to education settings and children’s social care.

Updated guidance to schools and settings on reporting confirmed cases of COVID-19.

David Kilgallon, Director of Learning and Systems Leadership has sent out a letter to all Headteachers and School Business Managers regarding the COVID winter grant and vouchers for free school meals. The grant is to support those most in need across England and to support households with children. The Council will be providing vouchers to the value of £30 per child to cover the two-week Christmas closure.

New national second lockdown restrictions and what this means for schools.

4 November 2020 - David Kilgallon, Director of Learning and Systems Leadership gives an update on school management during these precedented times.

A series of webinars to support schools and colleges in understanding how to use COVID-19 home kits in education settings.