Dear Parents and Carers,

Coronavirus COVID-19 - Update for Parents

We just wanted to keep you informed that we and the Hamwic Education Trust are still closely monitoring the situation regarding the Coronavirus and following the daily guidance and advice released from the Government and Department for Education.

At the moment, in line with this guidance released from the Government, Department for Education and Public Health, we are continuing to operate as normally as possible, however, we will be cancelling extra activities, trips and movement between schools.  So far this means that the Ladybirds’ trip to the library, Year One trip to Upton Country Park and Invasions Games Festival on Monday 16^th are all cancelled.  We will communicate any future cancellations with you in a further letter.

We are planning for potential school closures, either as a result of direct instruction from the DfE or due to reduced staffing.  Please note that this could lead to partial closures, where certain year groups are asked to remain at home.

Could we therefore ask parents to ensure that school contact numbers are up to date and that parents check our website and emails regularly.  In the event that we are required to close, we will inform parents as soon as we are able to and also publish information on our website.

We continue to ask our pupils, staff and visitors to follow effective handwashing and hygiene principles. Can we also encourage this practice at home.

As per the current Government guidance if your child develops a new or continuous cough and/or a high temperature, they should self-isolate for 7 days.

The DfE have also launched a helpline to answer questions about COVID-19 related to education. Staff, parents and young people can contact the helpline as follows:

Phone: 0800 046 8687 Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday)

We appreciate that we are currently in an unusual situation and do not wish alarm parents. Thank you for your understanding and if you do have any concerns, then please contact us to discuss further.

Yours sincerely

Duncan Churchill

Head teacher

Upton Infants School