As you’re probably aware, the government’s guidance on the coronavirus has changed from the ‘contain’ phase to one of delaying the spread of the virus. We’re getting in touch to let you know what we’re doing in light of this, and what we expect from all of you, to help make sure our school community keeps safe and calm.
We’d like to reassure you that at St. Patrick’s we are taking all of the necessary steps to protect our community and are continuing to follow official guidance from the government and Southampton Local Authority.
What’s the current situation?
The school remains open – this is the current official guidance we’ve been given.
The school functions continue to run as normal. If your child is unwell or is self-isolating, report this as you would normally.
We’ll keep you up to date with any changes to the current situation
What is the latest guidance for households with symptoms?
Yesterday, the Government introduced new guidance on whole household isolation in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak:
If you live alone and you have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), however mild, stay at home for 7 days from when your symptoms started
If you live with others and you or another member of the household have symptoms of coronavirus, then all household members must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill. It is likely that people living within a household will infect each other or be infected already. Staying at home for 14 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community.
For anyone in the household who starts displaying symptoms, they need to stay at home for 7 days from when the symptoms appeared, regardless of what day they are on in the original 14-day isolation period.
The symptoms are:
A high temperature (37.8 degrees and above)
A new, continuous cough
What happens if your child or family have to self-isolate?
The school will continue to send daily updates via Parentmail.
Teachers have compiled packs of work so that your child/ren can complete their lessons whilst at home. The children will receive these packs today or tomorrow. For those children who are currently in self-isolation, packs will be delivered to their home.
A further email will follow tomorrow, with websites and ideas for activities to keep your children busy.
What happens if the school has to close?
We’ll only close if we’re either officially advised to do so or we don’t have enough staff to run the school.
In either case, we’ll:
Notify parents via Parentmail, Twitter and the school website.
Continue to keep parents updated via Paretmail.
Please keep in mind that we’re only sending out this information to help the school community prepare. There are currently no plans to close.
If you have any questions
Please consult the:
School office, if you have any questions about our response to this issue
NHS, if you want to know more about the symptoms of coronavirus. If you think you or your child may have the symptoms, use NHS 111 online if at all possible before calling 111
Department for Education’s coronavirus helpline: 0800 046 8687, if you have any questions about the government’s response to coronavirus in relation to schools.
Government’s travel advice, if you want to know whether any upcoming trip or holiday you’re taking abroad should go ahead
It’s a tricky time and we know you’re worried about the impact this might have on our community. It’s important we keep each other safe and talk about these events to help with any anxiety.
Thank you for your continued support of St Patrick’s.
Best wishes,
Mr Michael Lobo - Headteacher
Mrs Suzanne Friel - Deputy Headteacher