Whole School

Letter from Mrs Jones

20 March 2020
Becka Ely
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Categories: Whole School

I actually feel quite emotional writing this – we are entering uncertain times. I have not been in school this week having had to self-isolate and I cannot gauge how the children are feeling – I know the adults who I have worked (remotely) with all week are up and down – and it is important that we all work together to support each other.

Obviously school will be open next week in line with government directives. The staff at Shamblehurst – as always – are ready for action – there is already a growing list in the staff room of staff who are already planning to support us opening over the Easter break. Our community truly does have many heroes in it – and we are proud to be part of the efforts to support our front line workers to battle this unseen enemy.
I hope the children enjoy keeping in touch with their teachers’ via Seesaw. For those children who do not have access there has been alternative provision planned. We are setting up a page on our website where we will add suggestions for further learning or activities.

Having listened to the Prime Minister I think it might be a while before we welcome you all back through our gates so, on behalf of our staff, I am sending best wishes, hope and a virtual fistpump!

Anna Jones
Headteacher

Coronavirus Update – Friday 13th March 2020

13 March 2020
Becka Ely
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Categories: Whole School
Dear Parents and carers,
I would like to update you on the advice we have been given on the Coronavirus, following the Government’s latest review of the situation across the UK, including confirmed cases in several Hampshire primary and secondary schools, as well as schools and sixth forms.
The Government has confirmed that it’s in the “delay” phase – the second stage. We, at Shamblehurst Primary, need to work closely with you, as parents, to stress the importance of basic hygiene to children. We need your help to emphasise the importance of hand washing, and we have been discussing this with each class.
Our cleaning team and staff will be continuing to frequently deep clean parts of the school that have a high usage from children, e.g. door handles.
It is not appropriate for children to come into school with face masks on. Public Health England’s advice is that while these play an important role in clinical settings, there is little evidence of their effectiveness outside these settings. They can also create alarm and fear amongst children.
The guidance from Public Health England and the Department for Education is that schools should remain open. We have however started to prepare work for children in the event that the Government decides to close schools, to ensure children’s learning can continue at home.
Given the developments of the past two weeks, it is possible that we will have increasing levels of staff and pupil absences. Government guidance is to self-isolate if you have a new cough or temperature. Children should stay at home for 7 days. I can confirm that this is an exceptional circumstance, and will not affect the child’s attendance figures.
We have some members of staff and children who have already had to self-isolate from today, as per the new guidance. A link to the Government’s guidance is below:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
People with symptoms are no longer required to call NHS 111 as the system is under strain, but are urged to look for information on the NHS website.
It is important to prepare for what potentially is to come with a sense of proportion and perspective, and we will continue to act on formal advice and facts without causing undue alarm to our children.
I will continue to provide you with updates of any developments and thank you for your help and co-operation in keeping our children safe.
Yours sincerely,
Anna Jones & Becky Veal

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Coronavirus – Update Thursday 27th February 2020

27 February 2020
Becka Ely
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Categories: Whole School

National advice for travellers from areas affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed this week, and we understand that parents and carers may have questions about this. The school is following national guidance that has been issued for educational settings.

The latest accurate information on Coronavirus (COVID-19), including the current situation in the UK and details about the virus and its symptoms, can be found at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus. This is updated regularly and includes the most recent advice in relation to travel from certain parts of Italy – so we encourage you to visit the website for the latest information.

The UK’s Chief Medical Officer continues to advise that the risk to individuals in the UK remains low.

As a school, the most important action that we can take to protect against Coronavirus and other germs is to promote good hand and respiratory hygiene. We continue to encourage the children and staff to do the following and ask that you support this at home too. The advice is to:

· wash hands often – with soap and water or using alcohol sanitiser if handwashing facilities are not available.

· cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in a bin.

We are following national advice and the school is operating as normal. Should the situation change or if we are given different advice, we will communicate this to you.

If you believe you are at risk, then please contact NHS 111 for advice.

Coronavirus – Update and Medical Advice

26 February 2020
Becka Ely
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Categories: Whole School

The advice around the Coronavirus is changing daily and I thought it would be sensible to share the latest information from Public Health England given we have just returned from a half-term holiday when some of you may have been on vacation. I must stress that the risk is extremely low in general and especially for young people without underlying medical issues. If you feel that you have been affected by the latest advice please phone the school so that we can take any necessary precautions.

The link below will take you to the latest updated information and guidance:

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus