Updated – December 2021
Denton Community College has a duty of care to all its students, staff and our wider community. We are following the advice given out by the Department of Education, the Department for Health and Social Care and Public Health. We are monitoring all advice and guidance and will keep this page updated on a regular basis.
It is important to remember that the virus remains as contagious as ever and still has serious consequences for some people that catch it. The Delta variant can be caught by people who are vaccinated so we do encourage you to reinforce the key messages and steps that can be taken to keep your community safe.
Students have been given information about the Coronavirus and about the importance of good hygiene. Students should not worry as it appears that the young are the least vulnerable age group. It is important though for them to take precautions so that they do not pass the infection to people who may be more affected. On this page, you will find a short explanation and a link to Government guidance.
Where can I find more information about Coronavirus?
The best way to find out about the Coronavirus and the government’s response is to click here
For specific government advice for parents and carers about schools click here
What are the Symptoms?
The main symptoms of COVID-19 are still:
- a high temperature
- a new, contagious cough. This means coughing a lot, for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours.
- a loss or change to sense of smell or taste. This means they cannot smell or taste anything or that things smell or taste differently to normal.
What if my child feels ill?
If your child has the symptoms of the virus please arrange a PCR test for them. https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test
Please ring school by 8.30 am to inform us that your child will be off if your child has been allocated a place as the child of a Key Worker. It would be helpful if you gave full details rather than just saying that they are ill. If they are self-isolating please tell us that and the start date of their self-isolation. There is then no need to ring each day unless they need to stay off longer than expected to recover.
Will my child be regularly tested for Coronavirus?
We are continuing to offer Lateral Flow Testing and details of this can be found here:[LINK] Testing plays a vital role in the response to COVID-19 and helps to break chains of transmission by identifying asymptomatic positive cases quickly. This means those who test positive can self isolate keeping other staff and students in face to face education. Reporting all test results, positive or negative, helps the health experts have a clearer picture of any potential outbreaks in different parts of the country.
Currently those students whose parents/carers have given consent take lateral flow device tests twice a week at home to detect asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 and parents/carers report the results, logging them on the NHS Website and College’s Logging Site.
My child hasn’t been involved in home testing but I would like them to be
If you would like your child to participate in the LTF home testing please contact Mr Nixon, Assistant Headteacher to arrange this. We would encourage all families to participate in this. If you have any questions about the testing that he can answer for you, email s.nixon@dentoncommunitycollege.org.uk
Do students still have to wear face coverings?
Face coverings are no longer mandatory in schools. However, we do encourage students to use them if they would like to as they do remain an effective method of reducing transmission of the virus. The Director of Public Health may require schools to bring face coverings back if infection rates are of sufficient concern. Face coverings should still be used on public transport.
When should my child or family members self-isolate
The changes in guidance that began on 16th August 2021 have meant a significant change to how the risks around COVID-19 are managed. Perhaps the biggest impact is on contact tracing and self isolation. It means that:
- Anyone under 18 no longer has to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact of a positive case.
- Anyone who is double vaccinated no longer has to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact of a positive case.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/when-to-self-isolate-and-what-to-do/
What will happen with Examinations next summer?
We are currently waiting for the full details of the plans for next summer and will communicate them as soon a we hear. Year 11 students should speak to their individual teaches and revise for the mock examinations taking place in November 2021.
Where can I find additional help during the pandemic?
The information on this page includes Safeguarding Concerns, Foodbanks, Tameside Support Services, Domestic Violence, Mental Health and other useful links.
Please also follow the school twitter account for regular updates: @DCC_News
Where can I find support with Parenting?
Are school trips taking place?
Following guidance from the DfE and Tameside, appropriate school trips will begin to occur again.
What about parents and other visitors coming to school?
We are keen to continue to engage with parents, we will have these discussions on the telephone, Google Meet or through email. Telephone meetings can be arranged in a normal way. Visitors should only enter reception if absolutely needed, visitors to the school must make a prior appointment. The safety of our school community is our main priority.
How will work be provided if the school has to close again or if my child has to self isolate?
We will provide work via Google Classroom and the school VLE. It would be useful for you to check with your child that they can access Google Classroom and their email account. If there are any problems please let us know.
Please direct any Username and Password issues to:
information about how to access Google Classroom and Home learning can be found at by clicking on the word Home Learning below:
Additional information about issues with google classroom can be found on the FAQ links below:
How to log into Google Classroom for the first time
Help with Google Classroom – FAQ
Additional guidance and activities for you and your child on maintaining Internet Safety can be found here:
How do I help my child during this time? What can I do to explain the situation?
The following document provides specific advice on speaking to your child at this time. It has useful help and tips on how to respond to worries and concerns in relation to COVID -19 and Coronavirus.
Click on this link: Responding to worries about Covid-19, advice for Parents and Carers
Where can I find support for my Mental Health and Isolation?
The NHS is offering Tips and guidance on Mental Health and Wellbeing here: https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/
Tuesday – 4pm-5pm
Wednesday – 3pm-4pm
Friday – 11.30am-12.15pm
If you are concerned that any members of your family have symptoms linked to the Coronavirus, follow Public Health guidance.
Keep the school informed if there is anything that you think we should know about.
Reassure your child and encourage them to keep working hard and do what they can to support others, especially those in vulnerable groups.
What can I do?
Personal hygiene is the most important way we can tackle COVID-19, especially washing hands more; and the catch it, bin it, kill it strategy for those with coughs and sneezes. Good ventilation is another key protective measure.