Update on the Government’s response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) - 13 March 2020

(Posted on 13/03/20)

 
 
We continue to follow guidance provided by daily updates from the Department for Education and Public Health England to prevent the spread of COVID-19 including the importance of personal hygiene and cleanliness.
 
Covid-19 guidance for educational settings advises that pupils, students, staff and visitors should wash their hands:
 
  • before leaving home
  • on arrival at school
  • after using the toilet
  • after breaks and sporting activities
  • before food preparation
  • before eating any food, including snacks
  • before leaving school
  • use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol 
  • avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
 
We have increased the number of sanitisers around the school, and whilst we do have stock currently, we are awaiting further supplies.
 
Our school has no confirmed cases that we are aware of but we are continually monitoring the situation.
 
Outcome of the Cobra meeting on 12 March 2020
 
  • The UK has now entered the delay phase where the objective is to seek to slow down the spread of the virus so society is better able to cope.
  • State schools such as ours remain open and can only close on the express direction and instruction from the Department for Education.  
  • New guidelines have been issued advising that if you have coronavirus symptoms, however mild, either a new continuous cough or a high temperature you should stay at home for at least 7 days to protect others and help slow the spread of the disease.
Please note that if you make the decision to keep your child at home you must make us aware of the reason and their symptoms as we need to be able to monitor the situation across the school and record absence in line with Department for Education requirements.  If your child has shown symptoms you child will need to remain at home for at least 7 days.  
 
  • In addition, the Government has advised schools and colleges not to take children under 18 on overseas trips until further notice.
We therefore will no longer be running any trips in this academic year.  This will affect both UK and Overseas trips at CIS due to the uncertainty.
 
In addition to the measures taken we will also be:
  • Shortening the school day on Tuesdays and Thursdays to 3.15pm until Easter.  This reduces close contact/large group gatherings occurring during elective times.
  • Cancelling all non-essential large group gatherings such as assemblies/presentations to reduce close contact situations.
  • Making solid teaching and learning plans to aid a smooth transition to home schooling should the government decide to close schools.

Where to find the latest information

Updates on COVID-19:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

 

Guidance for educational settings:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-educational-settings-about-covid-19

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-educational-settings-about-covid-19/covid-19-travel-guidance-for-the-education-sector

 

Travel advice for those travelling and living overseas:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus

You can continue to check for updates on our website at the 'online journal'.  Please ensure we have your most up to date contact details.  If you do not have internet at home so think that online learning would be an issue in the event of a closure then please let us know.  If your child receives free school meals then we will ensure we provide food options for your child in the event of a closure. If you have any further questions then don't hesitate to get in touch.