18.03.2020 - Health and Safety Update

Dear Parents/Carers,

Health & Safety Update

In these rapidly changing times I would like to update you again in relation to Covid-19, including the actions that we are taking in school, and the actions you can take as parents and carers. The Council is continuing to closely monitor guidance from the Welsh Government/NHS Wales and the school will continue to keep you updated with any further developments, especially those linked to our school.

There is a great deal of speculation about potential school closures, but this is a decision that will be taken by the Council. This will not be the decision of the school, unless staffing levels drop. At this moment in time, however, the school is running as normal with children enjoying their learning in class.

How are we planning to support the children in the event of a partial or full school closure?

Staff have already prepared extensive ‘home learning packs’ for each child in the school. In the event of a school closure, these packs will be made available to all parents/carers. If your child is not in school when these packs are shared, then the school will advise everyone on how they can collect their learning packs.

There will also be a wealth of activities available online and we will be sharing details of how you can access these resources at an appropriate time. These resources will be accessible via the school website and you just need to click on the ‘children’ tab and follow the link to ‘home learning’.

https://www.oakfieldprimary.com/home-learning-nursery-to-year-6/

Although you may not have access to the internet at home, you will be able to find a wide range of material in the home learning packs. It may also be possible for you to work online with friends or family members.

I would also like to assure you that the Local Authority are presently reviewing its safeguarding and catering procedures in order to support families during times of school closure.

Advice to     parents about reporting absence:

If anyone has a concern about their child, please follow the link below:

https://gov.wales/guidance-educational-settings-about-covid-19

This guidance is very clear about the current circumstances when a student should attend school or self-isolate. Staff, young people and children should stay at home if they are unwell with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature to avoid spreading infection to others. Otherwise they should attend education or work as normal.

Please          continue to help us by emphasising the following actions which all children need to take:

• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• always wash your hands when you get home or into school
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• 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
• try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
  Look    at the ‘e-bug’ link for some useful tips for staying safe and hygienic.
   

https://campaignresources.phe.gov.uk/schools

The school will continue to update you for the foreseeable future in order to give you as much information as possible regarding this rapidly changing situation. We have already made some changes to daily routines and we will continually review all aspects of school life to ensure that we operate as safely as possible. This is our primary consideration.

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone for your support and understanding at this extremely difficult and challenging time.

Yours sincerely,

Mr. D Harris

HEADTEACHER