Welcome, to this week’s newsletter. I seem to say something each and a very week about a busy week, but I think we would all agree that this week has been a different one, in terms of the worldwide pandemic of Coronavirus. These feel genuinely unprecedented times, but a calm, measured and considered approach will be needed by everyone to ensure we best handle this challenging period.
My primary focus is safety and wellbeing of the children (and staff) of our school and I want to reinforce our position in following all National (and Local Authority) guidance available in order for this to be the case.
With this in mind, I am absolutely sure that you all have seen, read or heard about the update from Prime Minister Mr Johnson and his expert medical professionals and scientists yesterday, that schools are to remain open – this remains our intention and will remain so unless we are told otherwise.
The changes made yesterday that directly concern our school community are centred on the new advice below:
Stay at home, if you have coronavirus symptoms
Stay at home for 7 days if you have either:
- a high temperature
- a new, continuous cough
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you are staying at home.
This is exactly the same guidance for children as it is for adults.
Please help us keep everyone safe by following this national advice.
If a child presents in school with a high temperature and/or a new persistent/continuous cough we will be sending that child home for 7 days. Your understanding and support with this is appreciated in advance.
- School events: We are proceeding as normal with planned events but of course will keep
you posted on any changes should we receive guidance to alter these plans.
- What will happen if school closes? We are preparing potential resources, plans and
communication IF they are needed we will share them as/ when required. We will be
setting workif there is any school closure.
We are continually closely monitoring the situation and will keep you informed with any significant news through our usual communication channels. It is indeed worrying times but the brief currently is to ‘keep calm and carry on’. We are committed to serving our community and any decisions we make will have the children’s health and wellbeing at the core. We will be socially responsible and encourage all to be the same.
Staying healthy: important guidance, which we are promoting to children and asking you to follow up with them at home is:
Do
- wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
- always wash your hands when you get home or into work
- use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough
or sneeze
- put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
- try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
Don’t
- do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
Other important links:
Thank you for your taking the time to read this important information and your support of our school. Let’s all keep fit, well and safe
Kind regards
Jon Watson
Headteacher
Developing lively, inquiring and creative minds