Introduction

Since the first edition of this Back to School Guide was issued at the start

of September, we have had a successful Autumn Term at Queen Elizabeth’s School, with relatively little disruption and with few confirmed cases of Covid19. In the new lockdown that has been in place since early January, strong progress has been maintained through the use of eQE and MS Teams, with boys following their full timetables. Both boys and staff have risen well to the challenge, ensuring that high standards have been maintained in this period.

It is, nevertheless, very welcome news that we can all return to Queen’s Road soon. Case numbers in the community have fallen substantially and the

national vaccination programme is showing positive signs in protecting the most vulnerable, reducing hospitalisations and potentially reducing transmission. All this gives us hope that we can progressively return towards greater normality. However, the control measures outlined in this guide remain vitally important in keeping everyone in the QE community safe, including pupils, staff and family members.

With safety of such paramount importance, I particularly draw your attention to the new asymptomatic testing programme. Boys will have their first tests in School by appointment from 8th–10th March, with online lessons continuing during this time. The School will re-open fully on Thursday 11th March (including the full coach service and catering provision). This means everyone will have received a negative test before there is any chance of mixing. Attendance at School will be expected from 11th March, and any absence which is not supported by a valid reason will be classed as unauthorised. A further two tests will be conducted in-School on the boys’ return, to be followed by twice-weekly testing at home.

This guide explains the expansion of the requirements for face coverings, with the Government now recommending that masks be worn in all indoor areas where social distancing is not possible. There are also changes to the lunch arrangements and timings for the year group bubbles. Many of the other arrangements detailed in these pages are the same or similar to those adopted in the Autumn Term, but I urge everyone to read the whole document and familiarise themselves with how we plan to operate over the coming period.

Our plans and safety measures take full account of current guidance, but we know that it is a developing picture and that, as a School community, we may still need to adapt and flex, should things change.

We are now a year into the pandemic, and I would like to thank everyone for how you have responded positively to the challenges it has brought. I am conscious that many have, at various times, found life difficult, with mental health and wellbeing coming under pressure in these unprecedented circumstances. I remind all that extensive support is available both within the School and externally for anyone presently experiencing such difficulties.

As we look forward to the imminent return of boys and staff to the School, we enter the next phase encouraged, and with a sense of cautious optimism.

Neil Enright Headmaster