The Learning Federation - coronavirus school update

Dear Parents/Carers,                                                                                            16th March 2020

As you are probably aware, the government’s guidance on the coronavirus has changed from the ‘contain’ phase to one of delaying the spread of the virus. We are getting in touch to let you know what we are doing in light of this, and what we expect from all of you, to help make sure our school community keeps safe and calm.

We would like to reassure you that the Learning Federation is taking all of the necessary steps to protect our community and continuing to follow official guidance from the government and the Local Authority.

What is the current situation?

• The schools remain open following the current official guidance
• All school functions continue to run as normal – this includes breakfast club, boosters and after school clubs.

Pupils should attend unless they feel unwell – if your child has any of the following symptoms they should remain at home for 7 days:

• a new, continuous cough and/or
• a temperature

This will not impact on the child’s attendance record.

• If your child is unwell, report this as you would normally by the office or telephone.
• Sats are still scheduled for the week of 11th May - we will inform you of any changes

We will keep you up to date with any changes to the current situation

What we are doing to protect and support pupils and staff

• If a child develops a temperature or becomes unwell during the day, we will as usual send the child home. This will not impact on the child’s attendance record.
• Our cleaners have been instructed to be even more vigilant when cleaning the school and to focus on contact surfaces.
• Additional hand-washing routines are in place for children and staff. We are making sure that soap and sanitisers are available around the school.
• Members of staff are advised to follow the guidelines around self isolation when unwell.

What we need you to do

• If you have recently changed your contact details, please inform the school office as soon as possible via telephone
• Talk to your children about the coronavirus. It is a scary time and we should make sure children feel supported. BBC Newsround has regular updates for younger children and YoungMinds has practical steps older children can take to help with anxiety
• Come and collect your child straight away, if we ask you to (we will contact you if they become ill with either a temperature or a new, continuous cough)
• We are making preparations to ensure that your child has educational activities to access at home if we do have to close. Please check that your child has access to the Mathletics and Rock Stars Maths from home, and let us know if there are any issues so that we can make sure we are well prepared for remote learning.
• If your family has no online access then please let the office know. 

What happens if the school has to close?
We will only close if we are either officially advised to do so or we do not have enough staff to run the school.
In either case, we will:

• Let you know that we have to close, via our website, facebook page and letter.
• Let you know when the school can be reopened via our website and facebook page.
• Please keep in mind that we are only sending out this information to help the school community prepare. There are currently no plans to close.

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.

This is a tricky time and we know you are worried about the impact this might have on our community. It is important we keep each other safe and talk about these events to help with any anxiety.


Thank you for your continued support.



Mrs L Smith (Headteacher - Mead Primary School)
Mr J McLucas (Interim Headteacher - Broadford Primary School)