I wanted to update you regarding Covid-19 cases in the school as over the last few days there have been some new student cases that have resulted in some students having to self-isolate. On Thursday 15 July there was one case in Year 7 and one case in Year 10. Today, Friday 16 July there has been one further case in Year 10. There has also been today one new case in Year 8 and Year 12. Any parent/carers of students directly affected by this should have received communication from the school.

Parent/carers may also be aware that from Monday 19 July new government guidelines regarding Covid-19 come into effect. As a school we will be continuing with our current control arrangements and in particular keeping year groups separated during unstructured times.

What to do if your child develops symptoms of COVID-19?

If your child develops symptoms of COVID-19, they must not come to school and should remain at home for at least 10 days from the date when their symptoms appeared. Anyone with symptoms will be eligible for testing and this can be arranged via https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.

All other household members who remain well, must stay at home and not leave the house for 10 days. This includes anyone in your ‘Support Bubble’.

Further information is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-athome-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

The 10-day period starts from the day after the first person in the house became ill. Household members should not go to work, school or public areas and exercise should be taken within the home only.

If you require help with buying groceries, other shopping or picking up medication, or walking a dog, you should ask friends or family. Alternatively, you can order your shopping online and medication by phone or online.

Household members staying at home for 10 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community.

If you are able, move any vulnerable individuals (such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions) out of your home, to stay with friends or family for the duration of the home isolation period.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:

• a new continuous cough
• a high temperature
• a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)

For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.

If your child or anyone in the household does develop symptoms, you can seek advice from NHS 111 at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/ or by phoning 111.

How to stop COVID-19 spreading

There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with COVID19

Do

• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds

• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available

• wash your hands as soon as you get home
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

Further Information

Further information is available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

As a school we really do appreciate the challenges parent/carers face when your child is required to selfisolate and your understanding is greatly appreciated. At the start of next week I will set out to parent/carers arrangements for the final week of term. If you have any queries in relation to this letter please email office@wellingschool-tkat.org.

Yours faithfully

Mr R Pett

HEADTEACHER