Coronavirus Update – Monday 16th March

As you will be aware, the situation with the coronavirus outbreak is changing rapidly and we are committed to keeping you updated on the latest guidance. On Friday 13th March I wrote to all parents and carers, clarifying what will happen to students’ learning in the event of a school closure. The letter and guidance are available on the ‘letters’ section of the website. Our priority is to maintain the delivery of high quality teaching and learning to our students as far as possible.

Hygiene

Around school we have upgraded our cleaning schedule with extra checks and reinforced good hygiene practices, ensuring there is plenty of soap, hot water and hand sanitiser. Staff and students are encouraged to wash their hands frequently and we are carrying out extra toilet checks. If there is an issue with toilets or cleaning facilities students should report it to reception immediately. The best protection against coronavirus remains good hygiene practice.

In a school of nearly 500 students and 70 staff, it is to be expected that there will be some seasonal illness. However, if your child either has a high temperature (37.8 degrees Celsius or above) or a new, continuous cough then you should keep them at home for seven days.

  • Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital;
  • You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you’re staying at home.

This absence will be authorised.  If your child displays these symptoms at school then they will be isolated from the rest of the student body and you will be contacted. Please use the NHS website to reassure yourself about how best to support your child if unwell: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/.

Examinations

Of course at this time of year we are particularly focused on exams for Years 11 and 13 and I am printing below the latest statement from Ofqual, the organisation who oversee all public exams in England:

We recognise that students, parents, schools and colleges will be concerned about the possible impact of coronavirus on the 2020 summer exam series. Our advice at this time is to continue to prepare for exams and other assessments as normal. We continue to work closely with exam boards, other regulators and the Department for Education and we have met to plan for a range of scenarios, as the public would expect. Our overriding priorities are fairness to students this summer and keeping disruption to a minimum. It is still many weeks until exams start and we will issue updated advice if necessary, giving schools and colleges as much notice as possible.

Trips, Visits and Parents’ Evenings

We have currently suspended all trips, sporting fixtures and visits as a precautionary measure, as well as postponing our Year 7 and Year 10 parents’ evenings.

In this fast moving situation we will keep you updated with the latest advice we receive. If you have not already done so, please ensure you are signed up with the Everbridge Notification System so that we can contact you quickly if the school needs to close. Follow this link:

https://member.everbridge.net/index/892807736725489#/login

Please contact the school if you have any queries or concerns and we will do our best to address them.

Liz Ellis