FURTHER ADVICE REGARDING COVID-19 as of 3.20pm Monday 16th March 2020

I am sorry to write to you all again on this matter, but I am sure that you understand this is a rapidly changing situation.  As I said last week, we are trying to ensure school can run as smoothly as possible whilst mitigating any potential risks to health for all members of our community.  I just wanted to update you and respond to some enquiries we have received with advice I have taken from the Department for Education (DFE)’s Schools Helpline for Covid-19 issues:

  • You will probably be aware of the advice on self-isolation that was issued last Thursday, that if you develop either a high temperature or a new, continuous cough you should self-isolate for 7 days.  Here is a link to the most recently updated Government information:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-people-with-confirmed-or-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

  • The DFE’s Covid-19 helpline number is 0800 046 8687.
  • We continue to wash hands several times per day and ask all visitors to do the same.
  • Hard surfaces, such as door handles, stair rails, etc,  are being cleaned several times a day.
  • At present, it is not Government Policy for schools to close due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
  • We are looking into ways of ensuring work can be sent home should that policy change, but I must stress that I have no information about any potential change in the non closure policy.
  • We are also making contingency plans in case of high levels of staff absence and for any issues with school meals provision.
  • Naturally, if any child or adult in school begins to display symptoms of Coronavirus, we would ensure that guidelines are followed  and they would begin isolation (i.e. not being within 2 metres of anyone else) immediately with a view to them going home as soon as possible.

These are difficult and potentailly worrying times for us all.  They are ceratinly unprecidented and no doubt there will be further advice over the coming days.  We continue to take advice from the DFE and we will act upon it appropriately. As with any situation like this, we may not be able to answer every question raised immediately but we will always endeavour to give the most up to date advice.

Thank you again for your continuing support and understanding.

Yours sincerely,

Mr R Curran