Coronavirus Update
We would like to reassure parents that all measures are being taken to ensure our pupils and staff are kept safe and we are following government guidance from Public Health England.
We are reminding students of hygiene practices are displaying posters in toilets showing effective hand washing procedures. We also have sanitizer in the first aid room and reception.
Regarding school trips, we are continuing to follow Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) guidance for travel https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus. Claiming for cancellation of a school trip to an insurer is only possible if the FCO have advised against travel to the planned destination or if a cancellation is outside of your control e.g. a flight is cancelled. All our planned trips abroad will therefore go ahead as planned unless we are advised by the FCO that travel is not permitted. If that is the case, then we will contact parents directly. If individual parents wish to withdraw their child from a trip abroad and the FCO has placed no restrictions on travel to the destination, then the parents will lose all the funds paid.
A reminder that up to date government guidance can be found on their website – visit https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
The latest travel guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
Further information on what you should do if you are asked to self-isolate can be found here: https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/02/20/what-is-self-isolation-and-why-is-it-important/
There is also a Government Coronavirus action plan which can be found on their website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-action-plan
The document includes:
| · what we know about the virus and the disease it causes
· how we have planned for an infectious disease outbreak, such as the current coronavirus outbreak
· the actions we have taken so far in response to the current coronavirus outbreak
· what we are planning to do next, depending upon the course the current coronavirus outbreak takes
· the role the public can play in supporting this response, now and in the future |
The importance of hygiene
The Department of Health and Social Care launched a public information campaign that focuses on the importance of handwashing. Washing hands for 20 seconds is central to prevent and slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/public-information-campaign-focuses-on-handwashing
Current advice remains in place: No school should close in response to a suspected (or confirmed) COVID-19 case unless advised to do so by Public Health England.
Department for Education Coronavirus helpline
DfE have launched a new helpline to answer questions about COVID-19 related to education. Staff, parents and young people can contact the helpline as follows:
Phone: 0800 046 8687
Email: DFE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk
Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday)