For the attention of Parents/Cares whose children are part of the Bridging Pathway (You will have received a direct message if this affects your child)
Dear Parents/Carers
Closure of Bridging Pathway
We have been advised that there have been possible cases of COVID-19 within school community. This is in addition to the letter sent earlier on this afternoon.
Following the advice given to us by Public Health England, Public Health Sandwell and the Local Authority we are closing to the Bridging Pathway pupils. Students from this Pathway and transport route will be unable to come back to school until Thursday 1 July, unless you hear directly from the school pending a COVID test result. This has been a difficult decision and based around keeping our young people safe.
This includes the following classes:
– Trains
– Walton
– Kinver
– Haden
– Clee
– Waseley
– Wrekin
Free school meal vouchers will be issued to students who are eligible. Students who were eligible for laptops during previous lockdowns will be issued with laptops shortly.
Online learning resources for your child will be available from Wednesday 23 June through their class webpage (https://thewestminsterschool.co.uk/class-groups/) and Evidence for Learning (EfL). If you have any queries regarding EfL, please contact us services@westminster.sandwell.sch.uk.
Although students should self-isolate, other family members in the same household do not have to self-isolate, unless pupils develop symptoms of COVID-19. During this time, the student must not leave their home. NHS guidance that students should be following is outlined below:
• do not go to work, school or public places
• do not go on public transport or use taxis
• do not go out to get food and medicine
• do not have visitors in your home, including friends and family – except for people providing essential care
• do not go out to exercise – exercise at home or in your garden, if you have one
What to do if your child develops symptoms of COVID 19
If your child develops symptoms of COVID-19, they should remain at home for at least 10 days from the date when their symptoms appeared. Anyone with symptoms will be eligible for testing and this can be arranged via https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 119 .
Please inform the school office of the illness so we are able to provide the relevant support.
Symptoms of COVID 19
The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:
• new continuous cough and/or
• high temperature and/or
• a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)
However, local authorities are reporting that some individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 have displayed other symptoms. We would like to encourage pupils and their families to get a PCR test as a precaution if they display any of these symptoms, however minor
• headaches
• aches and pains
• feeling very tired for no good reason
• sore throat
• runny nose
• sneezing
• tummy ache in children.
PCR tests can be booked through https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.
For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.
If your child does develop symptoms, you can seek advice from NHS 111 at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/ or by phoning 111.
How to stop COVID-19 spreading
There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with COVID-19.
Do
• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• wash your hands as soon as you get home
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
Further Information
Further information is available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Please let me assure you that we have a rigorous system here at The Westminster School and the health and safety of the School community is our top priority.
If you have any further concerns or questions, please contact the Senior Leadership Team on headteacher@westminster.sandwell.sch.uk.
Thank you for your continued help and support.
Yours faithfully
Mr O M Flowers
Head Teacher
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