Following the announcement made by the Prime Minister in relation to the Coronavirus on Thursday 12th March, I wanted to write to parents and carers to inform you of our intentions over the coming weeks.

Our approach to whatever may happen in the coming weeks and months will be based on the advice and guidance given by Public Health England, the Department for Education and the local Public Health England Health Protection Team. We will not be taking any action that is not evidence based and reasonable.

To prepare for all eventualities, including partial or full closure, we are working hard to ensure all teaching materials, resources and assessment opportunities are readily available for students to access at home. In particular, we are considering our Year 11 and 13 students who are a matter of weeks away from their GCSE and A Level examinations. Please use our school website to access all of these resources. We hope this action will be not be necessary, but assure you that we will always work in the best interests of our children and community, and follow the expert advice and guidance we are given.

If you have symptoms, the current advice from the Government is stay at home for 7 days if you have either:
 a high temperature
 a new continuous cough

This will help to protect others in your community while you are infectious. Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. You do not need to contact NHS 111 to tell them you are staying at home.

For further details and up to date advice please visit
https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response

The Department for Education coronavirus helpline is 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)

If you have a new email address or phone number please inform the school as a matter of urgency, as it is important that we can communicate directly with all parents and carers. Please do not hesitate to contact the school should you have any queries.

Yours faithfully

Paula Dixon                                                                                                                                                            Headteacher