Updated advice on coronavirus (COVID-19) – 13/03/2020
We are grateful to all for supporting communities at this time. Our Academy continues to follow the updated advice issued by Public Health England and GOV. UK
Public Health England guidance continues to promote basic hygiene practices, such as regularly washing hands and always sneezing into a tissue before putting in a bin, to stem the spread of viruses.
The latest advice has changed and moved into the ‘delay’ phase of planning. The purpose of this phase is to delay the burden on public services and help reduce and delay the peak of the virus in our country. In particular, recommendations are in place to protect the vulnerable and elderly.
Government officials have stated that it would be ineffective to close schools at this stage. Therefore, it is important that we continue to manage our school communities, providing calm, safety and education for our young people.
To delay the spread of the virus, the Government has asked people with either ‘a high temperature or a new continuous cough’ to stay at home for 7 days. Please see the latest advice on https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus which has been updated since our last communication.
We recognise that students and parents will be concerned about the possible impact of coronavirus on the 2020 summer exam series. Advice is to continue to prepare for exams and other assessments as normal.
We continue to work closely with ofqual, exam boards, other regulators and the Department for Education who are planning for a range of scenarios, as the public would expect. Our overriding priorities are fairness to students this summer and keeping disruption to a minimum.
Exams start in May, with some BTEC examinations taking place currently. We will issue updated advice if necessary.
Whilst health is our highest priority, please encourage all our young people to stay focused on achieving their ambitions and dreams too. This is what they truly deserve.
Years 10, 11 and Sixth Form will require as much support and learning opportunities as is possible to help them maintain an organised and committed approach to preparing to achieve their best during this period of challenge.
Stay at home for 7 days if you have either:
- a high temperature
- a new continuous cough
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Please note learning resources will be available via usual Academy resources for young people, assuming they are well enough.
In the meantime, we wish all well and remain committed to reducing the impact of this situation on our pupils’ educational opportunities, whilst supporting one another to protect the elderly, vulnerable and our community.
Coronavirus – Advice for all early years providers, schools and further education providers
The government is closely monitoring the spread of the Coronavirus and is taking action at home and abroad.
The overall risk of Coronavirus to the UK remains moderate. However we understand that people may be concerned where there are children, students or staff returning from or visiting China.
Public Health England and the Foreign Office have issued advice for anyone travelling to the area. This can be found at:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-and-avian-flu-advice-for-travel-to-china
Latest information and advice can also be found at:
Updates on COVID-19:
https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response
Guidance for educational settings:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-educational-settings-about-covid-19
Travel advice for those travelling and living overseas:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus
Educational resources:
https://campaignresources.phe.gov.uk/resources/campaigns/101-coronavirus-/resources
https://campaignresources.phe.gov.uk/schools
Latest Department for Education information:
https://twitter.com/educationgovuk
https://www.facebook.com/educationgovuk/
Please share this advice with your staff and cascade as appropriate.
Advice for parents/guardians
You should not be unduly worried about the possibility of your children catching the Coronavirus.
There is no reason why your children should not continue to attend their early years, school or further education setting as normal.
We recognise that some families or children may be planning to travel to China during the forthcoming half term period. If so, please refer to the FCO’s latest travel advice via the link above.
What action you can take
A UK wide campaign has been launched to provide clear advice on how to slow the spread of Coronavirus.
Please help to support the campaign which promotes basic hygiene practices, such as regularly washing hands and always sneezing into a tissue, to stem the spread of viruses.
You can do this by:
Displaying this poster in relevant public spaces:
Sharing DHSC content from the following social media links:
https://twitter.com/DHSCgovuk/status/1223888531262726144