We are taking advice from the Department for Education and Public Health England on protecting our pupils and staff from coronavirus. We assess risks daily and will keep parents informed of any significant developments.  Please see the following link for the latest guidance https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public. 

Updated advice includes the following:

people who feel unwell should stay at home and should not attend work or any education or childcare setting

Stay at home for 7 days if you have either:

• a high temperature
• a new continuous cough

The strategy to prevent infection is to maintain good hygiene (handwashing etc) and to heed advice if you have travelled or been in close contact with those who have travelled in specified areas. There are two categories of area, each with its own prevention of infection advice. As the information changes daily, please check for the latest geographical areas via the link here. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-specified-countries-and-areas/covid-19-specified-countries-and-areas-with-implications-for-returning-travellers-or-visitors-arriving-in-the-uk

We have developed our own detailed risk assessment and strategy. We are aware that as a special school we have some pupils who are particularly vulnerable and are closely monitoring the situation on a daily basis. Pupils are being taught the importance of good hygiene, and are being encouraged to wash hands regularly during the day, as well as after using the toilet, before snacks and lunch and after breaks and PE lessons. 

At present, there is no need to keep your child away from school unless they have

• a high temperature
• a new continuous cough
• they are unwell
• you have travelled to the specified areas, or been in close contact with someone who has, or with someone who has been diagnosed with Covid-19.

If you believe that a member of your close family might be at risk, or that they are showing symptoms, you should call NHS111 and seek advice.