There has been a significant escalation over the last few days of the COVID-19 virus outbreak with much speculation in the media and press with comparisons of actions taken by countries compared to the UK.
As a UK state funded school, we take our direction from the UK Department of Education and this is to keep the school open. We do understand the concerns among the school community about social distancing. However UK government advice is that the harmful consequences of school closure currently outweigh the benefits, and we are mindful of the many advantages of school attendance over the removal of children from their normal school life.
The school’s management team have put in place risk assessments for school activities; educational continuity planning for absent staff/students; and plans for partial and full closure if this is required by Government decree or operational necessity.
The school leadership team are planning to meet on a daily basis to discuss and decide on actions for the following school day/week and to release this information in a timely manner using Schoolbase, Facebook and our School website. Please make sure you access this information and read and follow the instructions carefully.
Please contact the school using the email address reception@europaschool.uk to report the absence of your child/children stating their name, class name as well as the advice you have received from NHS 111 online concerning self-isolation.
If you child is not feeling well on a school morning, then please do not bring them into school and contact the school as detailed above.
For students who need to self-isolate, we will be sending parents a letter giving information about how your child/children will receive distance learning during their absence.
I advise all parents to assess their provision of IT equipment and Internet access to facilitate the distance learning needs. Please contact me on l.wood@europaschool.uk if you have significant difficulties in supporting your child due to financial concerns. This will be treated confidentially.
Please know that the school is working hard to maintain an effective learning community for your children. We also want to provide them with a calm and normal environment which is essential at this difficult time.
I am unable to reply to long emails due to time pressures – I hope you understand.
Regards
Lynn Wood