We have put the following access restrictions in place
Coronavirus Update 13th March 2020
As you are all aware, we are living in unusual times. As a Multi-Academy Trust we are reviewing procedures on an hourly basis alongside guidelines issued from the Government. Yesterday the Prime Minister called upon everyone to work together in partnership in order to protect vulnerable people but also to keep things running normally where this was possible. I know as a community, that we can do this and I trust that parents will recognise that the school is acting both responsibly and in a proportionate way.
Firstly I would ask that parents use our website as the key resource for information and updates. In the event of school closure, partial closure or to communicate that the school will be re-opening, all information will be on the website. It will also be the main portal for staff to provide work for children to access at home. The school has a duty to provide an education, even in the event of school closure and we would expect children to be working for around 3-4 hours every day on school tasks.
At present, we have no known or even suspected case of coronavirus in our community. As such, given that we have all health and safety precautions in place, we remain open to staff and pupils. There is no increased risk for children with asthma but if you have concerns about your child's individual health needs, the advice is to call 111.
From Monday, the following additional precautions will be put in place:
As a reminder, the symptoms of coronavirus are:
The most effective method for reducing contamination is through good hygiene practices. Everyone must wash their hands with antibacterial soap and dry thoroughly. Surfaces should be hygienically cleaned regularly. Please dispose of tissues or items with any other bodily fluids in a suitable bin. Do not reuse tissues.
See : https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ for up to date information.
Self-Isolation
As cases of coronavirus increase, families may find they are being told to self-isolate to restrict the spread of contamination. Other families may choose to self-isolate as a protective measure if there are known cases nearby.
It is important that families are suitably informed regarding what is meant by self-isolation as this is a very restrictive measure.
Advice can be found at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-advice/
In short, those people in quarantine should not leave their house ( even to get shopping) nor should they receive visitors.
At present, any person with high temperatures and a persistent cough has been asked to self-isolate for 7 days.
Working from home
In the event that pupils are sent home from school and work is sent home, we will aim to do as much as is possible to ensure that pupils continue to learn. It is vital that our pupils continue with their studies and it will help to occupy time during the day.
All pupils will be provided with reading books and they will also be sent work to do in books and online. If there are families without internet access can they please let the school know as soon as possible so alternative arrangements can be put in place.
Pupil Absence
Our absence procedures remain in place whilst the school is open. If your child is absent from school please provide the reason for absence to the school office ( preferably via email) before 9.30am. It is vital that the school is notified as soon as possible regarding any suspected cases of coronavirus and if any families are self-isolating and the reasons for this.
Thank you for supporting the school during this time. I hope that this message has reassured you that we are doing everything possible to protect the children and to ensure that their education is not overly affected.
The Department for Education coronavirus helpline is available to answer questions about COVID-19 relating to education and children’s social care. Staff, parents and young people can contact this helpline as follows:
Phone: 0800 046 8687
Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday)
Please note, we are currently experiencing high volumes of calls and apologise for any wait that you may experience. Your call will join a queue and we will answer as soon as possible.
