None of us can escape the news at the moment about the Covid-19 virus. We have been receiving advice which has been issued to all schools by the Department of Health for several weeks. Generally speaking, we are carrying on as usual until we are told anything different via the official channels. However, in light of the current rapidly changing situation with Coronavirus, the governors and myself have taken some sensible precautionary measures to prevent the potential spread of infection within the school and these measures are as follows:

Junior children- Classes 3 and 4

From tomorrow, (Tuesday 17th March) we are requesting that all junior children in Classes 3 and 4 are dropped off on the playground in the morning and collected from the playground at the end of the day to minimise the number of people entering the school premises in the short term. Staff will dismiss junior children onto the playground at the end of the day.

Infant children- Classes 1 and 2

From tomorrow, (Tuesday 17th March) we are requesting that all children in Class 1 and Class 2 are dropped off in the Class 1 outdoor area and collected from there as usual at the end of the day.

Updated guidance issued today by the DfE

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. If staff, young people or children become unwell on site with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature they should be sent home. Further information can be found at 

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Bus children

There are no changes to the travel arrangements for the children who use the school bus and they will come into school and leave via the main school door as usual.

Collective worship

At times of unease and uncertainty, collective worship is a place for drawing strength from being in a community of love, a time for reassurance and an opportunity to remember and reflect upon our Christian beliefs. With this in mind, we have taken the decision to continue with this important element of our day in classrooms rather than communally in the school hall from tomorrow.

Handwashing procedures

We have of course further raised the profile of hygiene in school, increasing the frequency of hand-washing and we have shown the children how to wash their hands thoroughly. Staff are monitoring a regular handwashing cycle for children throughout the day in order to help prevent any potential spread of infection. Children will also be asked to wash their hands when they come into school in a morning.

Cleaning routines

The school is following the most up to date guidance from Derbyshire County Council and is conducting twice daily touch point cleaning e.g. door handles, light switches etc as well as the rigorous regular cleaning schedule.

Emergency contact numbers

We would be very grateful if you could check that your emergency contact details are up to date and notify us of any changes so we can update our school records accordingly. Thank you.

In the meantime, if you have any further questions or queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Mrs E Bond

Headteacher