Friday 3^rd September 2021

Dear Parent/Carer

I sincerely hope you have all had a safe and enjoyable Summer holiday period and that pupils are looking forwards to returning to school.  Ysgol Bryn Castell look forward to welcoming all pupils back to school from Monday 6^th September at 10:00.

Welsh Government have confirmed that all of Wales is at alert level 0 which is positive news. Whilst the Local Authority and school continue to consider the recent guidance from Welsh Government, Ysgol Bryn Castell will continue to operate geographical zones which involves pupils and staff staying within discrete groups and areas of the school. Each geographical zone has separate entrance/exit points, with designated toilet facilities and timetabled use of outdoor areas which seeks to minimise the number of contacts whilst working towards maximising a broad and balanced curriculum for pupils. Pupils will be encouraged to undertake more frequent hand washing, hand sanitising and social distancing where possible.

In-line with Welsh Government and Local Authority guidance, the school are offering twice-weekly Lateral Flow Testing to pupils in Years 7 and above and to all staff. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss this in more detail.

Staff and pupils over 11 years old (who are able) are encouraged to wear a face covering when social distancing cannot be maintained, for example on dedicated local authority provided home-to-school transport and in some communal areas of the school. Pupils that are able to wear face coverings appropriately and independently are enabled to use personal preference if they wish to wear them.

Ysgol Bryn Castell’s priority continues to be the health and wellbeing of our pupils and staff and we will continue to act in the best interests of your children as we move forward, together. Thank you for your support, encouragement and feedback.

Stay safe and best wishes,

Mrs Helen Ridout