Dear Parents/Carers,

Re:   Confirmed cases of COVID-19 in St Monica’s CW Primary School (Step 2: Years 2 and 3 and Step 3: Years 4, 5 and 6) and implications for staffing levels

We have had 4 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in school, the most recent cases require a significant number of staff members to self-isolate for 14 days.

Unfortunately, due to the large proportion of staff needing to isolate I’m afraid I have no other option but to close the school building to all pupils and staff for the week after half term.  School will re-open on Monday, November 9, when your child can return to school if they do not have any COVID-related symptoms and if nobody in your household has symptoms.

If your child remains well they will be asked to work from home.  I will email with additional details about this towards the end of this week in preparation for Monday 2^nd November. 

I would like to reaffirm that the correct precautions and protocol has been taken and followed by all staff members, and that the instruction for staff members and certain children to isolate has been made by the Test, Track, Protect Service in line with their normal procedures for contact identification.

Any pupils or staff needing to isolate have been contacted by separate communication, if a pupil or staff member has not received this communication there is no need for them to isolate.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading, there are things that everyone in your household can do to help. These include:

• washing hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• using hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• washing hands as soon as they get home
• covering their mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve (not their hands) when they cough or sneeze
• putting used tissues in the bin immediately and washing hands afterwards

Please be alert for symptoms of COVID-19, which are:

• A new or continuous cough
• A high temperature
• A loss of or change to sense of smell or taste

If your child develops any of these symptoms, even if they are mild:

• Book them a test by phoning 119 or via the .gov website https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test
• Inform St Monica’s CW Primary School that they are unwell with COVID-19 symptoms and that you have requested a test
• Your child should remain in self-isolation
• All other household members should isolate for 14 days from when your child developed symptoms
• Do not visit a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital but if you require medical advice please contact NHS 111 or telephone your GP; if there is a medical emergency phone 999
• Please follow the advice provided when your child receives their test result

Further information on symptoms and self-isolation can be found here https://gov.wales/symptoms-and-self-isolation-contact-tracing

For general information on COVID-19 https://gov.wales/protect-yourself-others-coronavirus 

The COVID-19 online symptom checker can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do https://gov.wales/check-if-you-need-coronavirus-medical-help 

The St Monica’s family is a close one and I know everyone will want to join me in wishing the speediest recovery to all who have been affected.  If you or your family are needing to self-isolate (with or without symptoms) and need any help or support, please don’t hesitate to contact me on mrsbeacon@stmonicasschool.co.uk.

With my very best wishes,

Abi Beacon

Head Teacher