Coronavirus Update 11.3.20

Dear parents and carers,

With the number of confirmed cases growing nationally, so will the number of people who have come into contact with a confirmed case, or who know someone who has (ie secondary or by association).

You may be aware of information from Dandelions regarding COVID-19. We wanted to share further information so as not to cause alarm and to ensure facts are correct.

1) There has *not* been a confirmed case at Dandelions (nor at St Mark’s for that matter).

2) Two different parents have been in touch today to say that they, or someone close to them, have been in contact with another person who has a  suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus. No symptoms are being displayed. Both have liaised fully with 111. They and their children are choosing to self-isolate as a precaution until they know anything further.

3) As a school, I have been in touch with the Department for Education advice line. They have confirmed that there is no need to close, carry out a deep clean of the school, or change our normal operation. I explained what we are currently doing – including our current additional cleaning arrangements – and this was very satisfactory.

4) We understand that this could be concerning to you as parents and carers, and hence we wanted to be open with you. The advice from the DfE is to remain open, and children should continue to attend school unless informed otherwise.

5) As previously shared, if your child is displaying the symptoms of the coronavirus (a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath), then please refer to NHS guidelines, and phone 111. According to the NHS website, “You only need to stay away from public places (self-isolate) if advised to by the 111 online coronavirus service or a medical professional.” As a school, we are unable to provide medical information.

6) As previously shared, should we need to pass on any updates, we will do so through website and email, and possibly text. We will update you if we feel there are significant updates. We are also reviewing strategies for home learning should the need arise.

Please do not hesitate to contact the school should you wish to discuss this further. Thank you for your cooperation in these unknown circumstances.

Kind regards, Charles Applegate, Head Teacher.

 

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