Dear Parents/Carers,

The following information is very important and concerns a variety of things happening in school at the moment. I always feel that honesty is the best policy so we are sharing with the understanding that you will use the information correctly, sensibly and with the school community in mind (because that's what a values school is like !). There is no cause for alarm or panic just 'common sense' and good awareness.

I have not been in school this week as I was working from home as one of my own children tested positive at the weekend. I was meant to be in London at the end of this week but felt it safer to not travel. My whole family did their PCR tests (the rest of us were negative) and we complete lateral flow tests everyday. We then restricted the activities that we do normally, that was our personal choice as a family.

The PTA meeting and AGM next week is postponed until after half term and we will assess the situation.

Figures (these change quickly and daily !)

Years R, 1 and Year 5 have a sickness bug - 10 absent (see the following update from Public Health). Year 5 have one confirmed Covid case.

Year 4 have on-going Covid cases (and it is rising but small numbers of 4 confirmed PCR with 2 PCR results to come in).

Year 6 had rising Covid numbers a few weeks ago but this has stabilised and it now appears to be under control. 1 sickness absence/1 current Covid case.

Year 2 have very small numbers of sickness (3) and 1 Covid case.

Year 3 look relatively unscathed at the moment !

No staff have currently tested positive for Covid this week but some are off with sickness or other 'bugs' (staff test daily using lateral flow).

We thank those families who are also testing regularly, communicating with us really well and being mindful of others.

All of the above is shared in the interest of clear communication and no names will ever be shared. We would ask you to stick to the facts and no to gossip as we have enough going on in school.

Update from Public Health (we have a sickness bug some classes)

This update is to advise you that diarrhoea and vomiting illness which is present in the community at this time of the year is also circulating at school.

We are following advice from Public Health England on managing the outbreak including increasing cleaning throughout the school.

We would be very grateful for the support of parents in helping us reduce the spread of the infection. If your child has symptoms of diarrhoea and or vomiting, please keep them at home until 48 hours after they are feeling better. During this time, they should not mix with other children outside the home or visit local venues.

Norovirus is commonly known as Winter Vomiting Disease and often occurs in the community and in schools and nurseries at this time of the year. If your child is ill, you may find the following information useful:

ADVICE FOR PARENTS ABOUT NOROVIRUS

What are the symptoms?

• diarrhoea and vomiting usually lasting 1 -2 days

What should you do if your child is unwell?

• Make sure they get lots of rest.

• Ensure they drink plenty of fluids, taking sips rather than gulps to avoid vomiting.

• Give infant Paracetamol or Ibuprofen, according to product instructions, to help keep their temperature down.

• If your child is unusually sleepy, won’t take fluids or has other symptoms, such as blood in their diarrhoea, an unusual rash, headache, neck stiffness or difficulty breathing, ring NHS Direct (0845 4647), contact your GP or take your child to hospital.

• Please ring your child’s nursery/ school and let them know that your child is ill and what symptoms they have.

• Keep them at home until they are well enough to return to school. However, if your child has been suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting keep them at home until they have been free of symptoms for 48 hours.

How can you prevent the spread of these infections?

Hand washing is one of the most important ways to prevent the spread of both of these infections. This applies to the child who is ill and the person looking after them. Hands should always be washed, using liquid soap if possible:

• Before and after caring for your child.

• After using the toilet.

• Before eating or handling food.

• After cleaning up a mess (vomit, faeces or urine).

Other ways of preventing the spread of infection are to:

• Keep a separate towel for family members who have symptoms.

• Dispose promptly of used tissues and other items that your child may have coughed or sneezed on.

• Wash soiled clothing, bed linen and towels in a washing machine. Use the hottest wash for that fabric.

• Clean baths and washbasins thoroughly and disinfect after use.

• If cleaning up diarrhoea or vomit, wash the surface with hot soapy water and disinfect before allowing to dry. If using bleach remember that it can remove the colour from fabrics and can burn the skin.

Please keep your child away from other children and people that are particularly vulnerable, e.g. the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.

Whilst we dealing with all of the above we are also keeping the teaching, learning and experiences going. A big 'thank you' to all of the staff as this has been a tough week and it looks as though it will continue to be a challenge. Our school has been praised by external agencies for all the elements we have in place, extra cleaning and all of the communication (that includes you, as parents, as people have been excellent). 'Onwards and upwards'.....every day really is an adventure !'

Have a good weekend

Kind regards

Mr Batstone