WELCOMING BOYS SAFELY BACK TO SCHOOL Arrangements for the Michaelmas Term 2020
Contents 1. MESSAGE FROM THE HEADMASTER
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2. OUR APPROACH TO PLANNING
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Sherborne-specific planning Boarding Timetabling Healthcare Possible scenarios 3. SYSTEM OF CONTROLS
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Prevention Response to any infection 4. MEDICAL PROVISION
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General August quarantine Test & trace Positive tests 5. A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PUPIL IN MICHAELMAS 2020
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6. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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7. KEY DATES IN THE MICHAELMAS TERM CALENDAR
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8. POINTS FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS TO CONSIDER
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Message from the Headmaster Dear Parents and Guardians, We have now reached the end of a term quite unlike any that we have experienced before. Since the closure of all UK schools in March we have been delivering our academic curriculum, co-curricular programme and pastoral care remotely. Thanks to the hard work and ingenuity of colleagues, the flexibility of the boys and the extraordinary support given by parents, our remote schooling arrangements have been extremely effective. I am tremendously grateful to everyone whose hard work, commitment and adaptability have made this possible. Whilst Sherborne’s remote provision has been successful, it could never measure up to the experience of having boys and staff physically present in School and we are naturally excited about the prospect of welcoming everyone back in September. That said, we need to put in place suitable arrangements to ensure that the School is a safe place for all members of our community as they return to Sherborne. For that reason, we have been working hard over the past weeks not only to make our remote provision as good as possible but also to plan for a smooth and efficient transition back to something akin to normal School life. This process has been led by Matthew Jamieson, our Director of Operations, and has involved many academic and support staff colleagues, including our Nurse Manager and Health and Safety Advisor and our Estates and ICT Services teams. We have also been in close contact with Sherborne Girls in order to ensure that we are consistent in our approach and sharing good practice. The aim has been to allow the School to operate as normally as possible whilst fully implementing both Government guidance and our own additional measures to promote the safety and wellbeing of all our pupils, staff and visitors. Due to the health precautions and additional safety measures that we are putting in place, there will inevitably be aspects of our operations that are different from those of previous terms. In this document we have attempted to summarise the main changes and to provide information useful to parents, guardians and boys as you prepare for the Michaelmas Term. Of course, it may be that you have additional questions that are not answered here. If that is the case, please do not hesitate to contact Matthew Jamieson who will either give you an answer or refer your query to an appropriate colleague. Matthew’s email address is matthew.jamieson@ sherborne.org. At the same time, we are aware that the situation remains fluid and we will, of course, provide you with updated information should there be any further changes of which you need to be aware in advance of the start of term. I do hope that, Covid-19 aside, you and your families are having a good and restful summer. We are all very much looking forward to seeing you in September and wish you swift and safe travels. With best wishes to you all. Yours faithfully,
Dr Dominic Luckett, Headmaster and Chief Executive
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Our Approach to Planning Fundamental to our planning has been the assessment of risk and implementation of proportionate control measures for the benefit of our pupils, staff and the wider community. In assessing risk we have been guided by our Health and Safety Advisor, David Hackett, and senior staff have kept abreast of the various sources of legislation and guidance that have come into force throughout this period. UK Government guidance has been informed by consultation with professional bodies such as the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) and Public Health England and this guidance has been regularly updated in response to the changing situation. The latest guidance for schools refers to a system of controls as a means of mitigating the risk posed by the virus. These controls have been adapted from the system of protective measures put in place by those schools which have reopened in recent weeks. Essential measures include: • a requirement that people who are ill stay at home; • robust hand and respiratory hygiene; • enhanced cleaning arrangements; • active engagement with NHS Test and Trace; • formal consideration of how to reduce contacts and maximise distancing between those in school wherever possible and minimise potential for contamination so far as is reasonably practicable.
Within the guidance, there is considerable emphasis on the fact that every school is different in terms of its precise size, location, site and configuration. Each school has, therefore, been empowered to make certain decisions about how best to reduce contacts among its pupils and staff in a way that best fits its particular circumstances and context. All schools are, however, expected, so far as possible, to implement the following control measures: • grouping children together; • avoiding contact between groups; • arranging classrooms with forward facing desks; • staff maintaining distance from pupils and colleagues as much as possible.
Sherborne-specific planning
We have been clear in our desire to welcome all boys back to Sherborne and to provide the widest possible range of academic and co-curricular options. To achieve these aims we have developed a flexible plan based on an ability to cope with the most challenging scenarios. This makes it relatively straightforward to accommodate any future easing or tightening of the restrictions. This inbuilt flexibility is particularly important within three areas; boarding, timetabling and healthcare.
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Boarding
Our approach to managing boarding Houses has been to create smaller ‘zones’ within each building based on the physical layout of each House. Groups of boys will share corridors, entry and exit routes, common areas, lavatories and washing and shower facilities and these will be kept separate from those used by other boys in the House. This is important because it permits all boys to live within smaller and consistent groups in the House whilst observing social distancing elsewhere in School. It also means we can clearly respond to the necessary isolation requirements in the event of a viral incident without closing down whole Houses or year groups.
Timetabling
Again, flexibility is critical here as we seek to provide the best possible academic experience for all boys regardless of the level of restrictions in place. By maintaining our ability to deliver remote, live lessons alongside the preferred method of face-to-face teaching we will be able to manage classes of a blended or hybrid nature. This is explained in more detail later in this booklet but it is important to note that the online learning experience gained by boys and staff over the past term will not be wasted. We have adjusted the timetable to allow for augmented cleaning and social distancing requirements whilst ensuring that we are able to offer the broadest possible curriculum. Double lessons have been introduced wherever possible to
reduce congestion and movement whilst lunchtimes will be staggered to enable safe catering provision in the Dining Hall. Cameras in every classroom will support the online learning experience of any boy who may be in isolation or unable, for whatever reason, to join a lesson in person.
Healthcare
Effective Health Centre and isolation provision are essential in allowing us to respond to any healthcare issues or incidents. Rigorous assessment by our Nurse Manager and School Doctor of the necessary medical protocols has formed the basis of our ability to create a robust and responsive medical environment. Additional healthcare staff are in the process of being recruited to support the existing medical team and premises are being modified to improve our ability to assess symptomatic cases. As part of this, Westcott House will be used as an isolation wing for quarantine and isolation for up to 23 pupils in individual rooms.
Possible scenarios
Our planning should allow us to function effectively across the range of possible scenarios from a normal return to School to full lockdown with remote learning. It will also permit a smooth transition from one situation to another should that prove necessary.
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System of Controls The ‘System of Controls’ is the set of actions that schools must take according to UK Government guidance. They are grouped into ‘prevention’ and ‘response to any infection’. The general approach we are taking with each specific action is as follows:
Prevention 1.
Minimise contact with individuals who are unwell by ensuring that those who have coronavirus (Covid-19) symptoms, or who have someone in their household who does, do not attend school. Boys who are symptomatic will immediately be separated from others and taken for assessment at the Health Centre. If it is deemed to be a possible case of Covid-19, we will inform the boy’s family and he will be collected from School as soon as possible. If the family is based abroad, the boy will be tested and isolated until the results are returned. If the results are positive, those boys traced as his contacts (i.e. those in his House zone and within the two-metre range during lessons) will be isolated until picked up. International boys who cannot be collected will be kept isolated in Wescott for 14 days.
2. Clean hands thoroughly more often than usual. Hand gel stations will be in place around the School site, either fixed to buildings or on mobile stations. Hand washing in House and wherever else is possible will be strongly promoted with regular reminders and checks throughout the day. 3. Ensure good respiratory hygiene by promoting the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach. The encouragement of respiratory hygiene will be a part of staff responsibilities and signs will remind people of the expectation to ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’. Waste management plans are being
formulated to ensure that rubbish is dealt with as safely as possible. 4.
Introduce enhanced cleaning, including cleaning frequently touched surfaces often, using standard products such as detergents and bleach. Cleaning regimes across the School have been enhanced significantly with particular attention to those areas which most require heightened attention such as classroom surfaces which will be cleaned between each lesson. The products required to make this possible will be in place to facilitate the very highest cleaning standards.
5. Minimise contact between individuals and maintain social distancing wherever possible. All staff will retain the two-metre social distancing space with all people at all times. Boys will be expected to maintain the two-metre rule wherever possible around School. This will be reduced to one metre+ in the classroom and within their House zones. Boys will also be grouped by House zones for lunch and dinner to enable all boys to be fed within the allotted mealtimes. 6. Where necessary, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE will be provided for all healthcare staff when it is required and for cleaning staff across the School. We have been purchasing this throughout recent weeks to ensure we have enough to permit optimal Health Centre and cleaning efficiency and effectiveness.
Response to any infection 7. Engage with the NHS Test and Trace process. All test and trace work conducted within the School will comply with and link into the wider NHS Test and Trace procedures. It is one further reason why we will be using the local NHS test centre and not using private testing companies. 8. Manage confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) amongst the school community. Further to the description of managing pupil cases set out in point (1) above, we will monitor our staff each day and ensure that any cases among them or their family are quickly and appropriately managed. It is possible that some staff may be absent from work at particular times and this is another reason why our remote learning capability is so important. 9. Contain any outbreak by following local health protection team advice. We are absolutely committed to full cooperation with our local Public Health team.
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Medical Provision General
Our Health Centre will provide a full, round-the-clock service to pupils. Our team of nurses led by Nurse Manager Marie Hutchings will continue to work on a shift pattern to deliver routine healthcare alongside Covid-19 isolation assessment and isolation requirements. Our daily School Doctor surgeries will continue each morning with an initial virtual triage. If any boy feels unwell and would like to visit the Health Centre he will be able to book an appointment via his Housemaster, Housemistress, tutor or matron. This is a slight change to the normal ‘drop-in’ routine and is important to ensure we do not have to deal with the unintentional spread of symptomatic contacts. Minor health issues will be dealt with in the Boarding Houses to ensure resources are most efficiently allocated to manage the Covid protocols. The School Counsellor will continue to operate either remotely or from a dedicated location away from the Health Centre.
Quarantine in August
At the time of writing, a 14-day quarantine period is in place for arrivals to the UK from a defined list of countries. In order to support families who need to satisfy these requirements we have planned a detailed quarantine provision with the safety and wellbeing of the pupils at the forefront of our thinking. We have already written separately to international families and will start to receive boys for this period from Thursday 20 August. Pupils will be well looked after by School staff and we will have a range of appropriate activities in place to keep them occupied and engaged. The conditions stipulated for quarantine are stringent and the guidance means that only limited interaction between pupils is allowed.
We have ensured full staffing of the Health Centre by our team of Registered Nurses so that pupil healthcare will always be overseen by qualified medical professionals.
Test & Trace
In any case where there is a risk from Covid-19 (either because a pupil is symptomatic or because they have been traced as a close contact to a positive case), there is a requirement to isolate them from the rest of the School population. For UK-based pupils, we expect them to be collected and taken home for the duration of the isolation period. Where it is not possible for the pupil to be collected, we have established a fully staffed and dedicated isolation facility. In either event the pupil will have access to remote learning if they are well enough to participate in lessons. Any symptomatic pupil will be required to undertake NHS testing and comply with advice issued by the Health Centre staff who will be following Public Health England and Department of Education guidance on the safe return to School following testing.
Positive Test
In the event of a positive test, the School will work with our Local Health Protection Team to complete a risk assessment and identify any close contacts. As a minimum, this will include those within the same zone within their House and any close classroom contacts. These trace contacts will themselves be required to self-isolate for 14 days (under current guidance). Again, in most cases we would expect this to happen at home. In the few instances when this might not be possible, we will have access to a separate isolation facility where pupils will stay for 14 days and join in the remote learning provision.
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A day in the life of a pupil in Michaelmas 2020 We hope that the following illustration of a typical day will be helpful in allowing you and your sons better to understand the way in which things will operate from September. Before School
On waking up in their House zone, each boy will use the specified lavatories and showers for his group and remain within their designated area of the House. After dressing (we are currently considering changes to the uniform to permit daily washing of clothes) and carefully packing his bag to reduce the need for movement across site due to a forgotten book or piece of equipment, the zone will move together to sign out of House. This will be done at a pre-agreed time so that the group does not come into contact with boys from another zone in the House. The Housemaster, Housemistress or duty tutor will pass on any messages to the boys and sign them out, as usual. The boys will make their way to breakfast and will now observe two metre social distancing guidance. This is important because it is this guidance which limits those who would be traced were there a positive case of Covid-19. On entry to the Dining Hall, queues will be kept at two metre distancing and catering staff will be far more in evidence as they reduce the need for contact points by handing out trays and cutlery and serve plated food options. As with all meals, boys will eat swiftly and depart promptly in order to enable all boys to move through the mealtimes while maintaining social distancing. This is usually the time for assemblies, voluntary prayers or Chapel services. In order to avoid large gatherings, such events will be delivered online for boys to view remotely in Houses.
Day Boys
Day boys are an integral part of our Houses and we wish to retain this important pastoral link for these boys by ensuring that they remain very much a physical presence in the House. They will be allocated a shared space within their House where they will be able to meet, register, relax and study during the day whilst maintaining social distancing.
Lessons
The School day will change in a number of ways but the same eight-lesson structure will be maintained, allowing us to offer the normal academic options and programme. Before they leave for lessons, boys will ensure that they take their mobile device (i.e. their laptop or tablet) off charge and pack it in their bags alongside a charger. They are likely to use their device in some way in every lesson. Each period will be 40 minutes in length to allow for a 10-minute break between periods. This will permit each classroom to be cleaned and for boys to move responsibly, observing social distancing and having the opportunity to sanitize their hands, between lessons. Double periods have been added to the timetable wherever possible to reduce movement and congestion on site. In class, boys will see that their teacher has to remain in a designated area near the front of the room so that he or she is two metres away from all boys at all times. This will also allow the teacher to remain within the sight range of the webcam installed in each room, something that will enable the better integration of boys who are, for
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whatever reason, participating remotely in the lesson. Boys will use Microsoft Teams and OneNote as the basis for their lessons. There will be some restrictions in place for certain practical subjects but these will be thoroughly risk-assessed to ensure maximum normality wherever possible.
across four afternoons so that juniors and seniors are separated for both mid-week sessions, thus increasing the facilities and space available to each group. A dedicated site at this link will update our approach to fixtures and games.
The day will be broken up by two break periods, one in the morning (10:00 to 10:30 a.m.) and one in the afternoon (3:00 to 3:30 p.m.) because the day will be evenly split with four periods before and after lunch. During these times boys will be able to return to House to enjoy snacks within their House zones.
Boys will be expected to undertake a simple self-check questionnaire at different times across the day depending upon their House. This will help monitor pupils for possible Covid-like symptoms and may trigger further assessment by the House staff (such as temperature checks) or fuller assessment at the Health Centre.
Lunch and Dinner
Each House zone will be allocated a timed slot in which they will be able to eat as a group. By doing so we will be able to maximise the seating space within the Dining Hall and fit more boys in at once, making more efficient use of the time and space available. After observing handhygiene and finishing their meals, boys will be able to attend the normal range of lunchtime academic support options. For the many boys involved in musical groups on Mondays or Tuesdays we will be delivering packed lunches to the Music School. All staff will be provided with packed lunches every day to reduce the pressure on the serveries and seating. Evening meals will run along similar lines.
After School
Games and other co-curricular activities will continue but will be subject to alteration according to the guidance and restrictions in place. Games sessions will be spread out
Self-Check Questionnaires
General
The plans we have in place will rely heavily upon the boys demonstrating thoughtfulness, self-discipline and the highest standards of behaviour. It should be possible to reinstate much of the normal pattern of life that many of us have missed so much since schools were closed in March. The boys do need to realise, however, that we are relying upon them to rise to this latest challenge and that failure to do so will not only degrade what we are able to offer but will risk the health and wellbeing of others in our community. We will be introducing a Covid-specific guide to behaviour which will remain in place for so long as the restrictions are needed. However, it is our firm hope that an understanding of the significance of our actions for others will ensure that everyone consistently demonstrates the highest standards of behaviour, thoughtfulness and consideration.
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Frequently Asked Questions This document was written in the days after the publication of the latest UK Government guidance update (Guidance for Full Opening: schools, published 2 July 2020). How will we achieve social distancing within a boarding environment? We will implement Government guidelines on social distancing through a blend of social distancing wherever possible within School (one metre+ in classrooms, two metres elsewhere and for staff at all times) and the use of zones within Houses. In this way we can welcome our full complement of boarders and day boys whilst taking appropriate measures to guard against Covid-19.
How will this affect day boys? Day boys will remain members of their Houses although their movements around their House will be restricted. They will not be able to enter the boarding zones within their House and we will be demarcating specific areas to allow them to see their housemates, tutors and Housemaster or Housemistress (HsM). They will always need to observe two metre social distancing because they will be going home each evening. Sadly, in order to preserve the integrity of the zones within Houses, occasional boarding by day boys will not be possible for the time being. Should parents of day boys wish their sons temporarily to convert to full boarding status (i.e. staying in School seven nights per week), there are limited places available depending upon year and House. Please email Matthew Jamieson if this is something you would like to investigate and he will be able to liaise with HsMs and determine availability and give you more information. Further details of the arrangements for day boys, including the option of temporary conversion to boarding status, will be sent to day boy families shortly.
Will boys be allowed to wear face coverings? Yes. Boys are welcome to wear face coverings. As of 24 July they are required by law to do so in shops and it is possible that the guidance may change to make face coverings mandatory at other times. We therefore expect boys to have their own face coverings. However, to avoid any inappropriate face coverings being worn, boys are only permitted to wear those which we have had specially manufactured in the School colours of blue and gold. Three of these face coverings will be added to
each boy’s bill and delivered to his House where he can collect them upon arrival at School. They will be trained in how to put them on and take them off safely and there will be a process in place for the daily washing of face coverings in Houses. Pupils will be able to choose to wear the face covering at any time. Should guidance change, there may be occasions when boys will be required to wear them.
Will there be a quarantine option for pupils travelling from overseas? All boys returning from countries where quarantine is required by the UK government must undertake 14 days of quarantine before joining the School community. This does not need to be undertaken at School because it may be done offsite with family members or with a guardian arranged by their parents. For overseas-based pupils who require School quarantine accommodation, we are offering a quarantine service in Westcott House which will start on 22 August. Any UK-based pupils who need to quarantine because of personal travel over the holidays will be expected to do so in their own homes.
How will boys be tested? Any symptomatic boy will be taken for initial assessment at the Health Centre. If deemed to be a potential Covid-19 case he will then be isolated at Westcott House until either picked up by his parents or taken to the nearest available testing centre if he is an international pupil. While there are many private testing schemes available there are none, as yet, which are backed by the NHS and so we are going to use NHS testing centres and strongly advise that all families do the same and engage thoroughly with the NHS Test & Trace system.
How is the School ensuring appropriately high levels of hygiene and cleanliness across the site? We have already fitted externally mounted hand gel dispensers around the site and have purchased additional mobile stations. Hand washing, laundry and waste disposal will follow detailed protocols which take full account of the latest Government guidance.
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Heightened cleaning regimes will operate across the School with a particular focus on high-frequency touch points, lavatories and classrooms. Consequently, staffing levels will increase and dedicated teams of workers will be committed to maintaining this enhanced standard. The academic timetable has changed to permit a greater time between lessons to allow for regular classroom cleaning.
What happens if my son needs to be isolated for any reason? We have created a specific onsite medical facility for pupils who have Covid-19 symptoms at Westcott House. This is in addition to our Health Centre which will be augmented by the creation of isolated assessment areas and increased staffing.
Will there be health checks for pupils prior to arrival at School? We will ask families to confirm the details of travel in the weeks before term begins and that their child has neither had any Covid-19 symptoms nor been in contact with anyone who has shown Covid-19 symptoms in the last 14 days. The same information will be required from staff and all visitors to the School. It is essential that you do not send your son back to School if they are displaying any symptoms of Covid-19 or if they have had contact with anybody who has shown Covid-19 symptoms for the 14 days prior to arriving back at School. If you are uncertain about whether your son is showing Covid-19 symptoms, please go to the NHS site Check if you or your child has coronavirus symptoms which will guide you through the symptoms and recommended actions.
How will the health of boys and staff be monitored? There will be a series of self-check questions that every pupil and member of staff will answer each morning. A concern raised here will trigger further assessment which will include temperature testing.
Will exeats and half-term still happen? Yes, that is the plan. Some boarding provision will remain available over exeats for those unable to travel home.
Will boys be able to go home at other times? As we are managing Houses by the creation of dedicated zones for all boarders and day boys to reduce the chance of infection, boys will not be able to return home apart from exeats and holidays.
How will Games and sports fixtures take place? Our current plan for the start of the Michaelmas Term is to resume with a three-week summer sports programme which will allow us to follow social distancing guidelines, meet National Governing Body restrictions and ensure the safety of all in the Sherborne community. It is likely that indoor options will initially be unavailable until later in the term. Please follow this link to a dedicated site which sets out our approach to fixtures and games and which will be regularly updated.
How will the co-curricular programme work? One of our main priorities in re-opening is to provide the widest possible range of co-curricular activities. As a result lunchtime and after-School co-curricular options will continue as far as possible. The precautions required for each activity or club will be in line with relevant guidance and thoroughly risk assessed.
Will the pupils be allowed to access the town and the local shops? The town of Sherborne, particularly the main shopping street (Cheap Street), has begun to re-open in a very responsible manner with clear signage and wellobserved protocols in the various shops. As a result we will permit boys to access the town but they must follow the social distancing and hygiene expectations of shop keepers. This privilege may be withdrawn if their behaviour is anything less than exemplary.
Key Dates in the Michaelmas Term Calendar Although the prospect of a new academic year is an exciting one, there are a number of additional considerations surrounding this year’s return to School. From quarantine for international boarders to the training and induction of staff and boys, we will take slightly longer to ease back into the normal working day in September. The School Calendar will be populated with events, as usual, over the summer break. However, as you will appreciate, next term’s events are subject to alteration, postponement or cancellation as the situation demands. The following are some of the key dates for the term ahead.
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Thursday 20 to Sunday 22 August International boarders requiring quarantine will arrive during this period. Transport to School from airports will be arranged.
Friday 29 August to Saturday 5 September Whole Staff INSET and training will take place over this period (Medical Centre and boarding staff will receive additional training in advance of this phase).
Saturday 5 September End of quarantine: international boarders transfer to their Houses.
Sunday 6 September New Boys’ Day. All new Third, Fourth and Lower Sixth Form boys are to arrive in specified time slots between 2.00 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. to permit social distancing and reduce congestion. Housemasters will be in touch with families to arrange exact timings in advance.
Monday 7 September Induction for new boys will continue. The returning Lower Sixth Form will come back between 9.30 a.m. and 11.00 a.m. for an induction session. All other boys will return between 4.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m.. Again, Housemasters will be in touch with families to arrange timings in advance to permit social distancing and reduce congestion.
Tuesday 8 September Academic lessons will begin after initial House-based training for all boys during the morning. This training will focus on the operational procedures that boys will be required to follow during the School day.
Friday 25 – Sunday 27 September First exeat. All pupils will go home, other than the few who are unable to make alternative arrangements and who will therefore be permitted to remain in School (although not necessarily in their own boarding House). For those boys travelling by rail, year groups will be allocated to different trains to stagger departure times and reduce congestion.
Friday 16 October – Sunday 1 November Half term. All pupils will go home or to guardians during this period. For those boys travelling by rail, year groups will be allocated to different trains to stagger departure times and reduce congestion. Parent pick-ups at Houses will be co-ordinated via Housemasters.
Friday 20 – Sunday 22 November Second exeat. All pupils will go home other than the few who are unable to make alternative arrangements. For those boys travelling by rail, year groups will be allocated to different trains to stagger departure times and reduce congestion.
Saturday 12 December Term ends after commitments. We hope that our traditional end of term Carol Service will go ahead as planned. However, should it not be possible to hold the service, term will end at 12:30 p.m.. Again, for those boys travelling by rail, year groups will be allocated to different trains to stagger departure times and reduce congestion. Parent pick-ups at Houses will be co-ordinated via Housemasters
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Points for parents and guardians to consider Thank you for reading this booklet. We are aware that there is much for you to absorb and many questions that you may now have. To make the first task simpler, some important considerations for parents and guardians are listed below: 1. Communication of vulnerabilities
We will send out a request for medical information in order to assess any possible vulnerabilities that your son may have. Please respond promptly to this when it comes.
2. Face coverings
Three of the Sherborne School face coverings will be added to the bill and delivered to your son’s House. If he requires any more in future, a stock will be kept in the School shop.
3. Actions on your son being symptomatic
It is very important that you ensure plans are in place to allow you to collect your son from School as soon as possible in the event of him being identified as symptomatic. We will expect this from all UK-based parents.
4. Boarding for day boys
Day boys may become full borders but only if there are spaces within their House zones. If any family wishes temporarily to change their son’s status to that of a full boarder, please get in touch with Matthew Jamieson by Friday 31 July. In allocating places, it will be very helpful to understand any particular reasons, beyond simple convenience, that make it important for your son to board. This will enable us to make the most appropriate allocation of those boarding places that we have available. Any day boy who wishes to board but where there is insufficient space in his own House may be offered a place in another House. Day boys who transfer to boarding status will be charged a pro-rata boarding fee for the period that they are boarding.
5. Return details
In order to reduce congestion and maximise social distancing, there will be staggered arrivals for year groups in each House. Housemasters will be in touch by Friday 7 August with further details relating to your son’s House.
If you have any questions regarding re-opening please get in touch with Matthew Jamieson, Director of Operations, on 01935 810409 or matthew.jamieson@ sherborne.org.
Sherborne School Abbey Road Sherborne Dorset DT9 3LF sherborne.org
