Dear Parents and Carers,

 As you are probably aware, the government’s guidance on the coronavirus has changed. We are working together with the Junior School to ensure we are carefully following the evolving government advice.    Please see the letter we are sending home tonight.

The current situation?

• The school remains open – this is the current official guidance we’ve been given
   
• Those with symptoms that could indicate coronavirus should now self-isolate for 14 days. These symptoms continue to be a high temperature and/or a new persistent cough. This self-isolation also now applies to those living in a household with someone with these symptoms
   
• Please let us know if your child will not be attending school
   
  Students with underlying health conditions
  There is more stringent guidance being put together for those students who have underlying health conditions. I would ask all parents to check the guidelines on this and follow recommendations.  If in any doubt please seek guidance from your child’s GP or call 111.  
   
  Students taken ill during the school day
  Please be aware that government guidance states that if any student becomes unwell with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature whilst in school they must go home. We will contact you and ask you to collect them immediately.  A student exhibiting these symptoms will then be told to self-isolate for 14 days alongside those who live in the same household.  
   
  Cleaning the school
  We are continuing to clean the school carefully, in line with guidance from Public Health England. 
   
  Upcoming Events
  Regretfully we have taken the decision to postpone all upcoming trips, visits and sports fixtures up until the Easter break in the first instance. This includes Parent’s Evening on Wednesday, the Mothers’ Day event/s 
   
  Work for well students self-isolating
  At this point teachers will not be able to set work for absent students. Well students self-isolating should use online learning.  It is also worth remembering that reading a  book is one of the most impactful learning activities a student can do.  
  Will school close in the future?
  We will continue to monitor the viability of remaining open by reviewing the numbers of staff who are fit to report to work each day. If the school has to close or make changes to the school’s operation over coming days/weeks, we will endeavour to communicate this on the school website before 7.30 am, and a message will be posted on the school answerphone. 
   
  I appreciate that this is a difficult time and we are all worried about the impact this might have on our community. It is important that we keep each other safe and talk about these events to help with any anxiety. We are working in extraordinary times and it is important that we all work together and follow the Government’s guidance.
   
  Thank you for your continued support.
   
  Lisa Thelwell
  Headteacher
   
  Latest Information and Guidance
  As a school we are following all the Government and NHS/Public Health advice in relation to COVID-19 for educational establishments.
  Information is updated regularly and if there is anything additional that parents/carers need to know then we will communicate this as soon as possible.
  Please follow the links below for the latest advice:
  Latest Department for Education Advice
  Public Health - Advice on how you can help - Personal Hygiene
  Stay at Home Guidance
  Latest Government Travel Guidance
  Latest Government Information regarding the Summer Examinations
  You can also keep up-to-date by following the Department for Education and NHS social media pages
   
  Department for Education Coronavirus Helpline  
  The Department for Education coronavirus helpline is now 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
  Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk
  Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday)