Covid-19

Please visit this page for the latest information regarding our measures surrounding the Corona-Virus. Scroll down to find downloads of the all the letters and updates sent to parents and guardians.

Wednesday 18 March Coronavirus Survival Kit

We have added a survival kit that Mrs Lay put together, which is full of tips on how to deal with the prospects of being in isolation. The mindfulness techniques are part of the Yorkshire Grit programme but there are also helpful links to Reading Cloud, meditation videos and helplines. Click on the link to go to the Survival Kit.

 

Friday  13 March Assembly

Below is an excerpt of our Friday assembly, during which best practice was shared on protecting children from transmission of the COVID-19 Virus. How COVID-19 is spread?

 

“From what we know about other Corona-Viruses, spread of COVID-19 is most likely to happen when there is close contact (within 2 metres) with an infected person. It is likely that the risk increases the longer someone has close contact with an infected person.

Droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes containing the virus are most likely to be the most important means of transmission.

There are 2 routes by which people could become infected:

• secretions can be directly transferred into the mouths or noses of people who are nearby (within 2 metres) or could be inhaled into the lungs
• it is also possible that someone may become infected by touching a surface or object that has been contaminated with respiratory secretions and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes (such as touching a door knob or shaking hands then touching own face).

There are general principles anyone can follow to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• washing your hands often – with soap and water, or use alcohol sanitiser if hand washing facilities are not available. This is particularly important after taking public transport
• covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in a bin. 
• pupils,  staff and visitors should wash their hands:
  • before leaving home
  • on arrival at school
  • after using the toilet
  • after breaks and sporting activities
  • before food preparation
  • before eating any food, including snacks
  • before leaving school
• use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available
• avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• avoid close contact with people who are unwell

In the event of the school closing, we have plans to lessen the possible negative impacts on your learning and wellbeing. We already have plans in place to ensure the continuity of learning, including remote learning options such as online education strategies and video broadcasts of academic content, and access to staff for all of you via Google Classroom and email.

As we currently remain open, and to make sure you and your families remain protected and informed, we are providing:

• You with information about how to protect yourself;
• Promotion of best handwashing and hygiene practices and providing hygiene supplies and
• Cleaning and disinfecting school buildings.

We are encouraging you to become advocates for disease prevention and control at home, in school, and in your community by talking to others about how to prevent the spread of viruses. 

We will be helping you through remote learning and providing you with holistic support. You need the  vital information on handwashing and other measures to protect yourself and your families; please prevent stigma and discrimination by being kind to each other and avoid stereotypes when talking about the virus.

The following  actions are important to you;

• Monitoring your health and keeping away from school if you are ill;
• Ask questions and express your concerns; and
• Coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your elbow and avoid touching your face, eyes, mouth and nose.

 

What we are doing:

Talking to you

Providing information around the College about how to keep safe

Postponing Open Morning and this weekend’s fixtures

Reviewing next week’s fixtures, trips and assembly programme

Working on a day-to-day basis

Making regular contact with your parents, guardians and, where appropriate, agents

Preparing teaching resources in case of closure

Providing boarding accommodation for pupils who require it over Easter

Preparing Year 11 and Year 13 pupils will be in the best possible position (both geographically and academically) to sit their exams”