15 March 2020, Comments: 0

Friday 13th March 2020.

Re-COVID-19

 

Dear Parents and Carers,

 

As you will be aware, the government has announced that it is moving to phase two of its response to Coronavirus, which is all about delaying its spread of the virus.

 

At Richard Taylor School, the wellbeing of everyone in our community is our highest priority.

We have put in place lots of sensible procedures to raise the children’s awareness of the importance of good hygiene. All classes have been taught how to wash their hands properly; posters have been placed in every toilet, and hand sanitisers are in every classroom. Children are supervised when washing hands and greater time is being given to make sure that they remember to follow the advice given.

Lunchtime staff are wearing hygiene gloves when supporting the delivery of lunches and our cleaning team are doing an outstanding job in ensuring all surfaces and disinfected thoroughly at the end of the day.

The school receives updated information on a daily basis from Health England and the Trust has produced guidance for all schools to follow.

 

There is the possibility that, as the current situation develops; schools may have to close for an extended period as part of a national approach to controlling the spread of the virus. The school has already created a plan to make sure that children can access learning activities via the school website. The school is currently preparing for this eventuality and will communicate with parents the form that ongoing learning opportunities will take if this becomes a necessity.

 

The school will continue to communicate to parents using established routes including text messaging and e-mail.

It the event of an extended closure a daily update will be available on the school website via the headteacher’s blog section.

During any extended closure, we would require clarification as to whether staff could access the school site. We would ask parents to avoid contacting the school by telephone unless absolutely necessary as we cannot guarantee that staff will be able to access calls. Urgent messages can be shared with the school via the admin e-mail address.

 

If any member of your family shows the symptoms of the virus, please do not access the school site until you have sought advice via the national tel 111 helpline or the DfES coronavirus headline. Please see contact details below:

 

The Department for Education coronavirus helpline is now available to answer questions about COVID-19 relating to education and children’s social care. Staff, parents and young people can contact this helpline as follows: Phone: 0800 046 8687

Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk

Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday)

As further advice become available, we will obviously keep everyone fully informed.

 

I would like to end by re-assuring you that at Richard Taylor School the safety and wellbeing of everyone is our highest priority and we will work together to find solutions to the current situation as it develops.

To reduce the risk of unknowingly spreading the virus the governing body have taken the decision to postpone a number of events due to take place in the remainder of the spring term.

These include:

  • Parents’ Consultation Evenings (rearranged dates will be confirmed after the Easter Break)
  • Community Tea
  • Year Six SATs Evening (information will be sent to all parents of children in year six.)
  • Friends Cake Sale

 

In addition, regular volunteers are being asked to avoid coming into school until after the Easter Break.

 

I appreciate your understanding and support as the school has to take difficult decisions to ensure the safety of everyone associated with our community.

 

 

Yours sincerely,

 


 

 

Andrew Symonds

 

Headteacher


 

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