Headteacher Letter 17 March 20

Dear Parent / Carer

The Government has updated it’s guidance and is now advising that if anyone in a household has a new persistent cough or high temperature then the entire household must self-isolate for 14 days. They have also issued guidance on social distancing for those over 70 or with underlying health conditions. It is important you read this guidance if you think you are vulnerable which can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults

Our school will remain open, and we will continue with our normal school routines as much as possible, but we are expecting increased numbers of staff and student absences which will impact on the service we can deliver.

In order to protect our school community, and maintain adequate staffing levels, we have needed to take the following measures:
• Year 8 Parents’ Evening on Thursday 19th March and the Year 9 Parents’ Evening on Wednesday 1st April, have been postponed and will be rearranged for a later date
• All school trips and sporting fixtures have been cancelled from now until the Easter break. I will update you about events and trips after Easter once we have received updated guidance.
• Some classes may need to be combined to enable adequate supervision levels

We are continuing to stress to students that personal hygiene is the most important way we can tackle Coronavirus, especially washing hands more; and the catch it, bin it, kill it strategy for those with coughs and sneezes. I appreciate that you are reinforcing this message at home and ask you to continue.

It is important that you follow the latest guidance and if any student has a new persistent cough or high temperature then they must stay at home. If a student becomes unwell in school then we will contact you immediately and would be grateful if you collect them promptly. The full guidance from Public Health England can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

I will continue to provide regular updates with the latest information so we can work together to support our young people.

Regards
Mr A Bridson
Headteacher