Dear Parents/Guardians,

National media coverage of the Coronavirus is increasing with the list of affected countries increasing in number. Please be reassured to know that our school is regularly following and receiving updates from the national government websites, Public Health England websites, and the local authority health and safety department.

In school you will see national advice and a poster to raise awareness of the virus and hand hygiene. A copy of the poster is available here:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5e35b25740f0b609169cb52a/coronavirus-public-info-poster-2.pdf

The Government states that very few cases have been reported in children.

Nevertheless, pupils will be reminded about hand hygiene and staff have been reminded to share the following with pupils:
- Encourage good hygiene: always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport.
- Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
I would appreciate it if you can encourage your child to follow this advice, not only because of guidelines relating to the Coronavirus, but because it is good practice with all common colds.

The guidance that we are following is from the Local Authority, Public Health England and the Government:
NHS guidance: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Guidance for education settings: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-educational-settings-about-covid-19/guidance-to-educational-settings-about-covid-19
Guidance for the public: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public

If you have any further concerns, please get in touch with us.

Yours Sincerely,

Sharon Slack

Executive Headteacher