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 Hacton we’re taking all of the necessary steps to protect our community and are continuing to follow official guidance from the government and the London Borough of Havering.
What’s the current situation?
- The school remains open – this is the current official guidance we’ve been given
- All school functions continue to run as normal until further notice
- Pupils should attend unless they feel unwell – if your child has any of the following symptoms they should remain at home for 7 days:
- a new, continuous cough and/or
- a temperature - If your child is unwell, report this as you would normally by contacting the absence number
- We’ll keep you up to date with any changes to the current situation
What we’re doing to protect and support pupils and staff:
- Our cleaners are taking extra care to clean all surfaces thoroughly
- We are checking toilets to ensure there is a plentiful supply of soap
- Hand sanitisers have been purchased and are located in each classroom as well as soap
What we need you to do:
- Talk to your children about the coronavirus. It’s a scary time and we should make sure children feel supported. BBC Newsround has regular updates for younger children.
- Come and collect your child straight away, if we ask you to (we’ll contact you if they become ill with either a temperature or a new, continuous cough)
- Should the school have to close for any period of time, we will ensure that work is provided using systems which I will share with you over the coming days; however, please ensure that your child has access to a computer at home, and let us know if this is not possible (so we can make sure we’re well prepared for remote learning if the school does need to close at some point).
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:
Message parents through ParentMail, Facebook and place a message on the school website.
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 but being prepared and equipped for this possibility is essential.
Thank you for your continued support.
Mrs Emily Leslie
Headteacher
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 but being prepared and equipped for this possibility is essential.
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
Thank you for your continued support.
Mrs Emily Leslie
Headteacher
