Dear Parents/Carers 

You may have heard on the news that Churston Ferrer's Grammar School is closed due to a potential case of coronavirus.

This is obviously worrying for you as parents, and we appreciate the calm way that you have responded.

At a time like this, and there has not been a time like this of late, there are many rumours and concerns. We just wanted to reassure you that we are taking any potential issue seriously, and are in very regular contact with Public Health England; all our decisions will be informed on the medical advice we receive from them. At the moment, we are very much open for business, and we are doing all we can to ensure that the environment is a healthy one for your children, including reminding all the children of the importance of regular hand washing and cleanliness.

The current advice we have received is:

If anyone has been in contact with a suspected case no restrictions or special control measures are required while laboratory test results for COVID-19 are awaited. There is no need to close the setting or send other learners or staff home. As a precautionary measure, the NHS are currently testing a very large number of people who have travelled back from affected countries, the vast majority of whom test negative. Therefore, until the outcome of test results is known there is no action that staff members need to take.

Obviously this is an evolving situation, we will provide updates for you as, and when we receive them.

Please rest assured that we will follow the advice of the Department for Education and Public Health, England to ensure that all and any actions taken are in line with expert advice.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-educational-settings-about-covid-19/guidance-to-educational-settings-about-covid-19

Angela Urquhart

Head Teacher