We wish to provide an update for parents/carers on the evolving situation with regard to Coronavirus.  Just to reassure you, as of today, there are no known positive COVID-19 cases in our school community.  If this situation arises, we will follow Government Public Health England advice on how to manage the school at the time and will advise you and your child accordingly.

 

Health advice

Yesterday, the Government updated its advice to all.

 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-people-with-confirmed-or-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection#at-home-try-as-best-you-can-to-separate-yourself-from-the-people-you-live-with

 

The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:

• new continuous cough and/or

• high temperature

 

For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild infection.

 

You do not need to call NHS 111 to go into self-isolation.  If your symptoms worsen during home isolation or are no better after 7 days contact NHS 111 online.  If you have no internet access, you should call NHS 111.  For a medical emergency dial 999.

 

In light of the above advice if your child develops symptoms please do not send them into school for at least 7 days from the first day of symptoms.  So that we can ensure the safety of all our children please continue to report your child’s absence in the usual way, simply advising us that they are in self isolation.

 

Please note that the Government is NOT requesting whole households to self-isolate if one member of the household has a persistent cough of a fever.  At some stage in the future this advice may change and we will let you know.

 

Potential school closure

Following yesterday’s Government update an instruction to close schools does not appear to be imminent, but could happen in the future as part of the “delay stage” of the virus management response. 

 

The school is working on plans and contingencies in relation to the Government advice. 

 

We understand parents may be concerned and we are looking at ways to continue your child’s learning during a closure period.  We do appreciate that not all our children will have access to online equipment at home and we will ensure that hard copies of any material are available. 

 

In the event of a closure including, when necessary staff shortages due to self-isolation, we will be communicating with you via the usual channels including the website, texts and social media.

 

If it arises, a closure notice may come at short notice and, if you have not already, we ask you to think about your preparations if this eventuality arises.  To help us to be able to communicate effectively with you as parent/carer, please can we remind you to update us if your contact details have changed e.g.: mobile phone, email address. You can do this via our school office.

 

For the time being, the Government has stopped all overseas school trips.  However, the Government has not stopped UK based school trips and activities such as school camp.  We will follow Government instruction in this matter and advise parents/carers if the situation changes.

 

We appreciate that this period is an anxious time.  Please can we ask all members of the community to remain patient with school staff as we deal with the developing situation.  We will advise you of any changes as soon as we are able to.

 

Please continue to ensure your child attends school as usual and follow the advice and current guidelines.

 

Finally, a reminder that the Government has an enquiries helpline for parents/carers, young people and school staff on 0800 046 8687, open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email: DfE.coronavirus@education.gov.uk

 

Thank you for your continued support during these exceptional times.