Dear Parent/Carer,
We are aware that this might be a confusing time with changing guidance and seemingly endless conflicting advice. I therefore write to reassure you that we are keeping fully up to date with the latest information and have access to a specialist health team should we have any concerns or queries.
I would like to remind you that if your child is unwell, without a high temperature/ persistent cough or loss/ change to smell or taste and, pre-Covid 19, and you would have normally kept them at home, please do so. If, pre-Covid 19, you would have sent them to school and they are well enough to attend, please still do so now.
If your child develops one of the three symptoms of Covid 19, a high temperature/ persistent cough or loss/ change to smell or taste, we must ask you to keep them at home and access a test as soon as possible. This can be done by contacting the NHS Coronavirus testing service by dialling 119 or by using the online service https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testingand-tracing/get-a-test-to-check-if-you-have-coronavirus/
If a member of your household has Covid 19 symptoms, they should request a test and your child (ren) must isolate at home until the results return. If the test result is negative, and your child has no symptoms, then they can return to school. If the test is positive, the whole household must self-isolate for 14 days and 119 will assist in contact tracing. If, subsequently, someone within the household develops symptoms, that person then needs to get a test. Household members without symptoms do not need to get tested unless advised to do so by a health professional.
There is a high demand for tests currently and it is important they are only accessed where necessary.
We appreciate that the autumn term and the return to school brings with it the usual minor childhood illnesses. It is important to a child’s mental, social and educational wellbeing to be in school wherever possible. It is even more important this year that you stress to your child the importance of good hygiene and the proper use of tissues and hand wash or gel.
Many thanks
Lucie Forrest
Headteacher
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