Friday 8^th October 2021

Covid outbreak letter for school – Advice to parents 

Dear parents,

Over the last two weeks we have been made aware of people in Lower School who have tested positive for COVID 19. We are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England. This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child. Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.

Students and staff who have tested positive are isolating. The small number of     children who have been identified as contacts of the confirmed case will have     guidance from NHS test and trace and will be advised to take a PCR test. Outbreak control measures are also in place and being kept under review. We will continue to contact parents/staff to inform them of cases within their class bubble/transport via text.

The school remains open and, providing your child remains well, they can continue to attend school as normal. We will keep this under review.

What to do if your child develops symptoms of COVID 19

If your child develops symptoms of COVID-19, you should organise for your child to be tested via the NHS online portal or by calling 119. Your household should isolate until you receive the test results giving the all clear. Fully vaccinated adults, and children and young people aged below 18 years and six months do not need to isolate as close contacts of someone with symptoms, or as a close contact of a confirmed case, but are advised to take additional caution.

Symptoms of COVID 19

The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:

• new continuous cough and/or
• high temperature
• a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)

For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.

How to stop COVID-19 spreading

There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with COVID-19

Do:

• keep a safe distance (at least 2 metres) away from people you do not live with or who are not in your support bubble.
• Reduce the time spent in crowded areas where it may be difficult to social distance
• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• clean surfaces often, paying particular attention to surfaces touched often (e.g. light switches or electronic devises)
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of tissues into a rubbish bag immediately and wash your hands.
• wear a face covering in indoor spaces where social distancing may be difficult.
• Keep indoor spaces as well ventilated as possible – let the fresh air in, even if for a short period a day.

Further information

Further information is available at

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

and

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/

Yours sincerely

Caroline Jewell

Headteacher