13^th March 2020

Dear Parents & Carers,

Coronavirus Epidemic

As you are all aware, the Coronavirus has now been classed as a pandemic and the UK has entered into the ‘delay’ stage.  We receive daily updates from Public Health England and on the hompage of our website under ‘Latest News’ there is a link to Government daily updates.

With regard to the present situation we are in with the Covid 19 virus, our cleaning contractors  have been instructed to focus on cleaning toilet areas and hand touch points: desks, door handles, door touch plates and handles, taps and switches.  We are holding weekly assemblies on correct handwashing and continually reminding pupils to wash their hands.  Personal hygiene is the most important way we can tackle Covid 19, especially washing hands more and the “Catch it, Bin it, Kill it” strategy for those with coughs and sneezes.  There is also a link to the NHS Children’s Guide to correct handwashing video.

As a school we are bound by decisions that are made by the Department of Education and currently that is that schools are to remain open.  However if the Government decide to enforce the closure of schools, we will have no option but to comply and close the school.  In this event, we have made contingency preparations to provide work and resources on all the class pages of our school website at:  https://www.st-thomasmore.gloucs.sch.uk/

We need to be aware of anyone who has either had a confirmed case, or who has Easter travel plans that involve travel abroad, so that we can advise you as to what measures might need to be put in place before your child returns to school in the Summer Term.  Should we be informed that any of our pupils or members of their families are potentially infected, we will follow the advice for all schoools from Public Health England at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-educational-settings-about-covid-19

We wish to avoid causing any unnecessary alarm or panic but realise that we need to take measured and sensible steps in light of the current situation.  Our aim is to ensure that the school functions normally as long as possible.  We appreciate your continued support and co-operation to make sure that we remain at the forefront of precautionary actions to keep our school community as safe and as prepared as possible.  Please rest assured we will be in contact with you if there are any further significant developments.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs N Tippen

Head Teacher