Macdonald Road Walthamstow London E17 4AZ

T. 020 8531 3426 F. 020 8527 3613 E. enquiries@whitefield.wa ltham.sch .uk www.whitefield.org.uk

Whitefield Academy Trust

25th February 2020

Dear Parent/Carer,

I am sending you the advice to schools on the coronavirus from Public Health England. The Academy is following the guidance and is looking daily for further advice to schools. I will keep you updated.

The risk to individuals remains low and very few cases have been reported in the UK.

The virus is spread by close contact when an infected person coughs or sneezes , or by touching an infected surface such as a door knob and then touching the mouth, nose or eyes.

How can you help?

Good hygiene and what you can do to help Lots of handwashing is one of the best ways to stop the spread of any cold or flu-like virus. We are stepping up handwashing at school and would ask you to do the same.

We would ask you to ensure that your child's hands are washed: • before they leave for school • when they get back from school • before eating or preparing food • after using the toilet If you visit the school, please use the hand sanitiser at reception before entering the main school.

What we will do to stop the spread of coughs and sneezes

We will ensure that all pupils and staff wash their hands: • when they first arrive at school • before eating • during breaks • after using the toilet • before leaving school

About travel abroad If you are planning to travel for Easter or the Summer holidays, please check the government website regularly: https://www .gov .uk/guidance/travel-ad vice-novel-coronavirus

Executive Principal : Elaine Colquho un OBE, MEd Chair of Directors : Andrew Howot

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If you have returned from these specific areas since February 19th, you should call NHS 111 and stay indoors and avoid contact with other people even if you do not have symptoms:

• Iran • Specific lockdown areas in Northern Italy as designated by the Government of

Italy • Special care zones in South Korea as designated by the Government of the

Republic of South Korea • Hubei province (returned in the past 14 days)

If you have returned from these areas since February 19th and develop symptoms, however mild, you should stay indoors at home and avoid contact with other people immediately and call NHS 111. You do not need to follow this advice if you have no symptoms.

• Northern Italy (defined by a line above, and not including, Pisa, Florence and Rimini),

• Vietnam • Cambodia • Laos • Myanmar

If you have any questions about the care of your young person and the Coronavirus please contact: Whitefield Schools, Family Support team - Gill Wadeson or Lesley Middleton (020 8531 3426) Joseph Clarke School, Family Support contact- Sarah Bent (020 8523 4833)

Other useful resources The government updates this page with information and advice about the virus here: http://www .gov.uk/guidance/wuhan -novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public

The NHS has a good page on reducing the risk of infection here: https://www.nhs .uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid -19/

Yours sincerely,

Elaine Colquhoun OBE Chief Executive Officer Whitefield Academy Trust

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Advice on the coronavirus for places of education

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How serious is the coronavirus? How likely are you to catch the virus? • it can cause flu-like symptoms, including fever,

cough & difficulty breathing

• the infection is not serious for most people , including children

• there is currently no vaccine

• most people get better w ith enough rest, water to drink and med icine for pain

• you can only catch it if you have been close to a person who has the virus

• the chance of being in contact with the virus is currently low in the UK

• if you have travelled to areas where many peop le are infected, your chance of catch ing the virus is higher, i.e. China and any affected areas

How can you stop coronaviruses spreading? I

What should you do if you feel unwell? Keep away from others and stay at home to stop the infection spreading . Avoid public transport if you think you have symptoms of coronav irus. If you become unwell at a place of education, tell a member of staff and let them know if you have travelled to any other countries in the last i 4 days.

If your staff member or parent thinks you have symptoms of coronavirus, they should call NHS 111 for advice. Follow the UK Government advice for childcare or educationa l sett ings gov.u k/ government/publications/guidance-to-educational -settings-about-covid-19 . Parents can visit NHS.UK to find out more information . Teachers and support staff should follow the UK Government advice.

Staff, students and pupils who have returned from Wuhan and Hubei Province in China should self isolate, and NOT atten d educa tion or work for 14 days. See NHS.UK for advice on coronav irus.

If there is an emergency, call 999 immediately

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