Questions - please ask or email: questions@thomasrussell-junior.staffs.sch.uk

The health and wellbeing of our children and staff in both schools remains our priority alongside our continued efforts to maintain our high levels of teaching and learning which takes place daily. We continue to follow all hygiene routines and preventions in school as previously shared with you.

In addition to this and in response to yesterday’s advice from the government we are asking that both families and staff follow the guidance stated below from Friday 13th March:
 If your child develops a new, persistent cough then please keep your child at home for at least 7 days. This may or may not be accompanied by cold and flu like symptoms. If after 7 days the symptoms have gone they may return to school
 If your child develops a temperature of 37.8 or more then please keep your child at home for at least 7 days. If after 7 days the symptoms have gone then they may return to school.

We are aware that this is going to put pressure on families if your child is unable to attend school but ask that you please help us to follow the guidance. We would also like to ask for your understanding and patience as we foresee that it is inevitable that the guidelines may affect our staffing in school over the next few weeks with staff having to self isolate in the same way as pupils or unable to attend work due to looking after their own children if they display symptoms.

Please continue to follow the advice from GOV.UK if you are planning any travel or holidays over the coming weeks and do keep school informed of these plans.

The Department for Education has launched a new helpline to answer questions about COVID-19 related to education. Staff, parents and young people can contact the helpline:
Phone: 0800 046 8687

Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk

The NHS website also has lots of information about the symptoms of the illness and how it is spread—go to www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

We will continue to keep you updated of any changes in guidance as and when they arise.

Yours sincerely
Mrs S Sharpe  Headteacher Thomas Russell Junior School
Mrs S Burton Co- Headteacher Thomas Russell Infants School