the spread of the virus. We’re getting in touch to let you know what we’re doing in response to this
change, and what we expect from you, to help make sure our school community keeps safe and calm.
The updated situation from the 17/03/20:
- the school remains open – this is the current official guidance we have been given;
- any changes to school events will be communicated to you via the blog, letter or Facebook;
- if you live with others and you or one of them have symptoms of coronavirus, then all household members must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill.
- it is likely that people living within a household will infect each other or be infected already. Staying at home for 14 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community.
- for anyone in the household who starts displaying symptoms, they need to stay at home for 7 days from when the symptoms appeared, regardless of what day they are on in the original 14-day isolation period. (See ending isolation section for more information).
Reporting an absence:
What we’re doing to protect and support pupils and staff:
What we need you to do:
What happens if the school has to close?
We’ll only close if we’re either officially advised to do so or we don’t have enough staff to run the school. In either case, we will message parents through the blog, by letter or by Facebook and place a message on the school website.
Please keep in mind that we’re only sending out this information to help the school community prepare. There are currently no plans to close but being prepared and equipped for this possibility is essential.
- if your child is unwell, report this as you would normally by contacting the absence number via the school office on 01708 342880.
- if you have reported your child's absence due to a new, contagious cough and/or a high temperature, then you must follow the isolation guidance. You cannot decide to send your child back prior to the isolation period.
What we’re doing to protect and support pupils and staff:
- our cleaners are taking extra care to clean all surfaces thoroughly;
- we are continuously checking toilets to ensure there is an adequate supply of soap;
- hand sanitisers have been purchased and are located in each classroom as well as soap.
What we need you to do:
- talk to your children about the coronavirus. It’s a scary time and we should make sure children feel supported. BBC Newsround has regular updates for younger children;
- come and collect your child straight away, if we ask you to (we’ll contact you if they become ill with either a temperature or a new, continuous cough).
What happens if the school has to close?
We’ll only close if we’re either officially advised to do so or we don’t have enough staff to run the school. In either case, we will message parents through the blog, by letter or by Facebook and place a message on the school website.
Please keep in mind that we’re only sending out this information to help the school community prepare. There are currently no plans to close but being prepared and equipped for this possibility is essential.
If you have any questions please consult the:
- school office - if you have any questions about our response to this issue;
- NHS - if you want to know more about the symptoms of coronavirus. If you think you or your child may have the symptoms, use NHS 111 online if at all possible before calling 111;
- Department for Education’s coronavirus helpline: 0800 046 8687, if you have any questions about the government’s response to coronavirus in relation to schools;
- Government’s travel advice - if you want to know whether any upcoming trip or holiday you’re taking abroad should go ahead.
As always, thank you for your continued support.
