Covid forces closure of Davidsons Mains Primary School

Davidsons Mains Primary School has been closed due to increasing numbers of Covid cases.

In a statement on the school’s website yesterday, Head Teacher Astrid Gracie told parents and carers:

Dear Families,

Thank you for your support over the past 8 days. Unfortunately, we continue to be notified of new positive cases, affecting more classes in the school. I will be in touch with the families of close contacts in the latest classes affected very soon and provide guidance around isolation dates and PCR testing.    

Following further consultation with the Health Protection Team, NHS Lothian & City of Edinburgh Education and Environmental Services we have had to make the difficult decision to return to remote learning for all pupils until the end of this week and close the School and Nursery to all children. 

This is because cases are continuing to spread and further steps, including self-isolation of close contacts and closing the school are considered necessary by the Health Protection Team, to reduce the risks of transmission of the virus.  

We recognise that this will be very challenging for many families and I can assure you that it is not a decision that has been taken lightly.

Remote Learning Provision

Learning tasks and live classes will take place on TEAMS, as happened during the recent lockdown.  Class teachers will post further information on TEAMS.  Nursery staff will provide learning at home tasks via Learning Journals for our Nursery children.  Should you need to borrow a digital device to access the online content please email or call the school and we will make arrangements for you to collect this tomorrow.

Free School Meal Provision

Pupils in P1-7 (who meet free school meals entitlements) will be able to collect their meal from the main gym hall/dining room door (currently P4/5 entrance). If your child is entitled to free school meals and their class have been asked to isolate, we will contact you to arrange delivery.  

Please only attend at the times noted below to allow us to distribute meals safely.  You will receive a refund should your child be in P4-7 and you have paid for their meal:

Primary 1 – 3:  11.45-12.00

Primary 4 -7: 12.15-12.30

Hub provision for Key Workers

The return to remote learning is a response to the number of cases in the community and the number of classes and staff self-isolating.   We are therefore unable to offer key worker provision.

After School Provision

As a result of the return to remote learning  breakfast club and after school provision will not be available this week.

Review of School Closure

We continue to work closely with the Health Protection Team, NHS Lothian, Senior Education Leaders  and Environmental Health Services to closely monitor the spread of the virus. Our next review meeting is on Friday 28^TH May.

We are committed to re-opening the school as soon as it is considered safe to do so. I will send updated information after the meeting.

PCR testing

We continue to ask that all close contacts and those displaying COVID symptoms take a PCR test. Walk-in test centres are open at Drumbrae and Ainslie Park. A drive-through centre is at the airport. Test results are received fairly quickly, so if you do not hear back within 36 hours please call the NHS to check if the test has been misplaced. 

The following links may be helpful:

• Book a test here if you are a close contact or have symptoms: Get a free PCR test to check if you have coronavirus (COVID-19) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 
• You can order Lateral Flow Test kits here: Regular rapid lateral flow coronavirus (COVID-19) tests – NHS (www.nhs.uk) 

Should you have difficulty getting to a test centre, please email the school at admin@davidsonsmains.edin.sch.uk

I would like to thank you for your ongoing support throughout this turbulent year.  Throughout, we have continued to work in partnership and to look out for all in our community. 

I know that if we continue to pull together, to follow FACTS and each play our part in sticking to the guidance, it won’t be long before we can welcome our children back in to the school building.

Best wishes,

Astrid Gracie

Head Teacher