Harvest Road Maidenbower Crawley West Sussex RH10 7RA Tel: 01293 883758 Fax: 01293 889409 Email: [email protected] Headteacher: Mrs E Jenkins BA (Hons) PGCE NPQH LETTER TO PARENTS concerning Coronavirus Dear Parents and Carers, What we are doing in school: We are following advice from West Sussex County Council and Public Health England and have put in place the following steps; Pupils wash their hands in class using the lengthier hand-washing routine with soap and water under supervision of an adult: on arrival at school after using the toilet (in the wash basins in the toilet area) after breaks and sporting activities before eating any food, including snacks before leaving school Good hygiene is important at all times but, due to the current situation, we would ask for your support in playing your part in minimising the risk of the virus spreading at this time. School Events: As you know, a number of school community events were due to happen this term. The two planned over the next two weeks are; Date Activity Tuesday 10th March Lower School parents invited to a history presentation 2 – 2.45pm followed by a visit to your child’s class to join them as a history detective Monday 16th March Upper School parents invited to a history presentation 2 – 2.45pm followed by a visit to your child’s class to join them as a history detective As a school, we have made the decision to postpone these two events since we acknowledge that larger number of adults and children than normal will be put in contact with each other and we do not want to take that risk at the moment. We are working to make sure that, as a school, we are taking every measure to prevent the spread of this virus. As further information comes from Public Health and the Government, we will communicate with you about other school events, namely the Spring concert and Parents’ Evening. How to stay healthy – Advice from the NHS: Now, as ever, it is really important to put particular routines in place at home to ensure that your whole family remain as healthy as possible during this time and the winter season generally. Recommendations are as follows; Get a good night’s sleep and ensure your child does not have electronic devices in their room Eat more fruit and veg Drink more milk Have a hearty breakfast Exercise more Facts to remember to share and reduce anxiety: There is no evidence that children are more susceptible to this virus. Reports describe cold-like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, and cough. There is no evidence to say that healthy individuals will die and this is what some of our vulnerable children are most worried about. To keep to the facts when talking to your children. Rumour fuels anxiety. Follow the hygiene advice above Contact details: The Department for Education has established a coronavirus telephone helpline 0800 0468687, which is operational 0800-1800 Monday-Friday to answer your queries or 111. You can also email [email protected] The latest advice and information about the virus and the situation in the UK can be found on: - the NHS website at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ - the government website at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-forthe-public The situation is continuing to change and therefore guidance regarding actions that should be taken for schools is being regularly updated. I am sure you are playing your part in reassuring your own child and in doing so, we will all be working in this way together. With best wishes, Elaine Jenkins Headteacher .