Dear parent/carer

I am writing to update you on our position with regards to COVID 19, Coronavirus.

As a school, we are governed by the Department for Education.  As I am sure you are aware, at this moment in time, the government is instructing school to remain open as part of the strategy for limiting the impact of the virus.  You may also be aware of some partial closures in some of our local schools.  The reason for these closures are due to staffing levels (where staff have had to self-isolate or have an illness unrelated to this outbreak.)  During these circumstances, school leaders have to ensure that there are enough staff, not only to teach, but to keep pupils safe.  I am pleased to say, that currently, our staffing levels remain very high, however, this could change.  In the event that we would have to partially close (or close completely) families will receive a text message and details will be put on our school website.  I am aware that some false messages about school have been on social media.  I would kindly ask that you do not rely on social media to get information about what is happening in school.

I take my duty of care for the children, families and staff of Stoneyholme extremely seriously and I would like to reassure you that I am following all advice and news on a minute by minute basis!  I am confident that we are able to respond immediately to any advice and you will be kept informed of any changes as soon as possible.  We have taken the decision not to take children out of school for the time being (trips, swimming, enrichment etc.)  I need to be confident that our children have access to hand washing facilities and are in the cleanest possible environment.  In school, we have revised our cleaning schedule to focus on very regular cleaning of surfaces, door handles, toilet areas etc.

The Government announced new guidance on Monday that if any family member develops a cough and/or temperature, the whole family must self-isolate.  We have several families who have to follow this advice and there is a possibility that the number who need to do so will rise.  I appreciate that this can be a worrying time for people, however, a large number of people self-isolating will not have the virus and of those that do, many will go on to make a speedy recovery.  The main purpose of self-isolation is to protect vulnerable people within our families and communities, something which is all of our responsibility to do.  More information can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response

We would like to minimise the impact of absences from school of your child’s education.  We have prepared packs of work for children to complete if self-isolating (or IF schools are directed to close in the future.)  If you have access to the internet, teachers will comment regularly on the work your child is doing.  If you do not have access, please contact school and we will make alternative arrangements.  The work completed will form part of your child’s assessments so it is very important that they try their very best and return the pack in an excellent condition when they return to school.

As always, if you have any worries or concerns, please contact us at school.  In the meantime, we will contact you should the advice to schools change.

Wishing you and your families all the very best and hope you all remain in the very best of health.

Mrs L Davison