A Message from the School Nurse
Common Cold versus Covid-19
As to be expected as we all return to school, some winter bugs have begun to circulate, and are causing some understandable confusion with regards to the Coronavirus protocols. Just to remind you, the 3 symptoms associated with possible Covid-19 are:
- A temperature of 37.8 or higher
- A new continuous cough (this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours, and if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
- A loss or change of taste or smell
If your child or anyone in your household has any one of these symptoms, then your entire household must all isolate and arrange for a Covid-19 test for the person with symptoms (ring 119). Please be aware that there is very high demand for testing currently, and it may take a few days to get an appointment. (Same day slots become available at 10am and next day slots at 8pm, so these are in theory good times to try). Please be patient if you are struggling to access a test, and continue to follow the household isolation guidelines in the meantime.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance
Remote learning will be made available for any students who are at home isolating (unless they are poorly, in which case they are not expected to be doing school work).
However, do be aware that runny/stuffy noses and sore throats that are not accompanied by any of the above symptoms, do not currently require isolation or testing, and therefore, if your child has these symptoms only, but feels well enough to come to school, then they are allowed to do so (please remind them to adopt good respiratory hygiene: "catch it, bin it, kill it" approach).
On last reminder please, that senior students (who do not have medical exemption) must bring a clean face covering to school each day in a named resealable bag. We've had a few students forget to bring them in whilst still adapting to this new rule.
Many thanks for all of your continued support in following the Coronavirus protocols designed to protect our school community.
Mrs Sarjant
Every Summer Term the whole school vote on which charity they would like to support over the following academic year. This year the popular vote was won by Access Adventures. Access Adventures facilitate and run adventure activities for disabled people, giving them the opportunity and freedom to enjoy activities that it would otherwise be impossible for them to participate in. Their enthusiastic staff includes paralympic athletes, water-skiers, surfers and a host of enthusiastic volunteers.
