We are continuing to keep you updated on the government's advice and the school's response to Coronavirus.  The update from the DfE (02 March 2020) stated, 'No school should close in response to a suspected (or confirmed) COVID-19 case unless directed to do so by Public Health England'.

 

The latest advice from the Government for the public is updated regularly and can be accessed via the links below:

 

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public  

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/  

 

Please note the information regarding 'Returning travellers' if you have travelled or plan to travel abroad.  We would ask all families to update the school if, having taken the appropriate advice from the NHS, there are any concerns regarding their child's health.  Please would parents of any pupils who have self-isolated contact Mrs Evans in the Welfare Office to update the school on their child's situation before their child returns to school (if they have not done so already).

The DfE has also launched a helpline to answer questions about COVID-19 related to education. Staff, parents and young people can contact the helpline as follows:

 

 

We are aware that some families have expressed concern and raised queries regarding the ski trip that returned from Champoluc on 19th February 2020, in particular as this has been reported by the local media. Note that the trip did not go to the specific 'lock down' areas of Italy.

 

The school has taken advice from Public Health England and this advice remains unchanged.  

 

Returnees who have respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, fever) should not come to school, should self-isolate at home and call NHS 111 for advice.

Returnees who have no respiratory symptoms (asymptomatic) are able to attend school as normal and do not need to self-isolate. If they develop symptoms within 14 days of return travel, they should self-isolate at home and call NHS 111 for advice.

 

It is correct that a small number of people who were on the Champoluc trip have followed the advice to stay at home ('self-isolate') and take appropriate advice from the NHS.  Self-isolation is a precautionary measure to help reduce the possible spread of infection.  No case of corona virus COVID-19 has been confirmed for a pupil or staff member at the school.  The school will authorise absence for pupils in this difficult and sensitive situation and are able to provide some support with work.  For all other pupils, usual attendance procedures apply. 

 

 

We are also monitoring the Foreign Office Advice regarding travel for trips abroad that are planned for later in the year.  At this time we anticipate that the trip to Belgium (departing 13th March) will go ahead.  However, the trip to Naples (departing 28th March) has been cancelled and the school is writing directly to the parents/carers of pupils who were due to go on the Naples trip today to inform them of this. 

 

In the meantime we would ask parents/carers to reinforce the simple steps shown below with their child and ensure that they have clean tissues and hand-sanitiser gel with them, if possible.  As you would expect, the school's Estate staff and Cleaning Service have increased the frequency of checks of the toilet facilities to ensure that soap does not run out and are also regularly disinfecting door handles, push-bars etc. in accordance with guidance. 

 

Do:

• 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
• wash your hands with soap and water often - use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available 
• try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
• inform the staff if you notice that soap has run out

 

Don't:

• touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean