Coronavirus Update

In light of recent developments with regards to Covid -19, I wanted to write and reassure you on the measures, as a school, we are taking to ensure that our students and staff are kept safe at this unprecedented time.

All members of our community are, and have been for a number of weeks, reminded about following hygiene practises through posters in toilets which demonstrate effective handwashing techniques.  Furthermore, hand sanitizer is available throughout the school.

However, in line with new government guidelines outlined yesterday, we do now ask parents to support additional measures introduced to keep our school safe.  As a result, if your child has a temperature of 37.8c and above or has as a new continuous cough, we ask you self-isolate for 7 days.  In addition, if your child has been in close contact with a confirmed case, we request you self-isolate for 14 days.

More information on this can be found here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Furthermore the Department for Education has a Coronavirus helpline for parents, staff and young people.  Phone: 0800 046 8687

Can I kindly remind you that with all absences, you will need to inform the school office on a daily basis via absence@bassingbournvc.org.  We do ask you email every day, even when self-isolating, as it is imperative we continue to follow our safeguarding practices.

In addition, following the new government advice, we have cancelled all residential trips that were planned between now and Easter.  While we understand this is disappointing for students, we do feel this is the right decision to make. We are in discussions with the travel operator and school’s Insurers regarding reimbursement and will update you as soon as we have more information.

All other trips and sporting events that have been planned will currently continue, but these are being monitored closely and we shall continue to follow government guidelines.  We will, of course, keep you updated on any cancellation as soon as possible.

As part of our contingency planning, we have in place measures in the event we need to close the school for a day due to health and safety reasons, staff absence for example.  As like we do with snow days, a message will be sent out via parentmail, it will be on our school website and we will ensure this is on social media, Twitter & Facebook @bassingbournvc

While I do recognise this is a worrying time, I feel that it is important for our students we remain calm and conduct a “normal” routine for them where possible.  As such lessons will continue as planned, homework set and extra-curricular activities will remain.  Decisions will however, be taken on a day by day basis and any changes we feel prudent to continue to keep our students and staff safe will be made.

I thank you in advance for your co-operation and patience.  This is an exceptional time for us all and hope, through collaboration we continue to keep all members of our community safe.

Ms Poulter

Principal