Information for Parents and Carers of The Mount Stewart Schools Federation

COVID – 19

Message for Parents and Carers:

Please check this page frequently for the latest news about COVID-19 Coronavirus and the impact on schools

The Mount Stewart Schools are following current Government advice.  If you have any health concern for your own child, please consult NHS 111 or speak to your GP. For health information and advice, read the NHS pages on Coronavirus. Learn about the government response to coronavirus on GOV.UK. The government has given clear guidance on self-isolation, household isolation and social distancing. Please read the latest Guidance for schools - how universities, nurseries, schools, and colleges are working during coronavirus (COVID-19).

Who to contact for offical advice and health concerns:

• UK Government website
• Department for Education coronavirus helpline 0800 0468687
• DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk
• Call NHS 111 for immediate health concerns

Public Health England have up-to-date information which you can view on their website. They are keeping schools regularly informed on developments and we will continue to follow their advice closely with regard to this virus

What addtional steps are the school taking to try and reduce the risk of further outbreaks?

As a school we have taken the following practical steps: 

-Hand sanitisers and multi surface wipes are provided for staff to use to clean frequently touched areas

-Fruit being given to pupils are only be prepared by 1 adult within classes.

-Isolation room has been reintroduced, in case a child falls ill during the day

-Staff are encouraged to wear PPE throughout the day should they wish too

-Surfaces to be kept clutter-free and wiped at the end of each session

-Staff ensuring that hand-washing routines are always kept, including when children arrive, before and after eating, after using outdoor play equipment, playtimes and after sneezing or coughing.

-Using bins for tissue waste – ‘Catch it, bin it, kill it’.

-Keeping the setting well ventilate, this includes Co2 monitors placed in all classrooms and communal areas to monitor the quality of airflow.

-Limiting the number of children using toilet facilities at the same time

-A fulltime cleaner remaining on site all day to ensure that commonly used area are clean frequently

How to stay safe

To protect yourself and others from the spread of COVID-19, remember to wash your hands thoroughly using lots of soap and hot water, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, use anti-bacterial gel or wipes, and avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illnesses.

Statement from Chair of Governors

As Chair of Governors for The Mount Stewarts Schools, I confirm that the Federation Leadership Team continues to share their plans for operating safely following all government guidelines.   These continued to be discussed with the full Governing Board and a number of questions raised by Governors are answered or taken away to be reviewed.  I can confirm that a thorough risk assessment and review process is in place and the outcome used to continue to refine the approach and safety measures put in place for staff, pupils and parents. Communication with parents will continue to be carried out based on this approach.  We continue to hold regular Governing Board meetings using online facilities and receive updates on the current situation in school, including attendance, safety, safeguarding and any concerns at those meetings as well as brief updates in between as required.

Gillan Barnard