Dear Parents and Carers, 

Further to our announcement (via text and email) that there has been a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the school, we need to update you with the following information:

We are still awaiting the result of the PCR test for the child, due to the way that it is being administered and processed.  We apologise for how long this is taking, however we are unable to influence this process and must follow the guidance given. We have carried out a full risk assessment having spoken to Local Authority Public Health Advisors and pupils are still required to isolate as per the following information. If the situation changes, we will of course contact you straight away.

The Year 5 children have been identified as in close contact with the case. A pupil has tested positive.  In line with the national guidance we recommend that your child now stays at home and self-isolate until midnight Monday 12^th July.

Your child must not go to school or any public areas: your child must remain at home. Further details of what your child needs to do are in NHS Guidance:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-for-coronavirus/nhs-test-and-trace-if-youve-been-in-contact-with-a-person-who-has-coronavirus/

We are asking you to do this to reduce the further spread of COVID 19 to others in the community. If you need support with isolation, please contact your local Council.

Other members of your household can continue normal activities provided your child does not develop symptoms within the self-isolation period.

If your child is well at the end of the period of self-isolation, then they can return to usual activities.

Pupils will need to remain off school until Year 5 reopens to pupils on Tuesday 13^th July 2021.

The education of your child will continue via Google Classroom as used in previous closures.

What to do if your child develops symptoms of COVID 19

For most people, especially children, COVID-19 will be a mild illness.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are recent onset of:

• new continuous cough and/or
• high temperature and/or
• a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)

If your child develops any of these symptoms of COVID-19, they should remain at home and arrangements should be made for them to be tested. At that time all other household members must also stay at home, not go to work, school or public areas, even for exercise.

Testing can be arranged by calling 119 or via the NHS website: nhs.uk/coronavirus

When the result of the child’s test is known further advice will be available.

How to stop COVID-19 spreading

There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with COVID-19:

• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• wash your hands as soon as you get home
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

Further information

Further information is available at nhs.uk/coronavirus

Attached is a letter from South Tyneside regarding PCR testing of your child before they return to school. This guidance comes directly from the Local Authority. Any queries regarding this request can be directed to [email protected]

Yours sincerely

Mrs Cunningham

Headteacher

Download (PDF, 157KB)