Diamond FamiliesCorona virus advice
At this difficult time, I thank you for your efforts in reducing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. You
will know more than most the importance of social distancing and people staying at home wherever
possible.
The most recent scientific advice on how to further limit the spread of COVID-19 is clear. If children
can stay safely at home, they should, to limit the chance of the virus spreading. That is why the
government has asked parents to keep their children at home, wherever possible, and asked schools
to remain open only for those children who absolutely need to attend.
We have a duty of care for our staff and we are trying to minimise the number of staff required in school in our fight against this
virus.
It is important to underline that school remains a safe place for children. However, the fewer children
making the journey to school, and the fewer children in school, the lower the risk that the virus can
spread and infect vulnerable individuals in our wider society.
As a school, we are asked to continue to provide care for a limited number of children - children
who are vulnerable and children whose parents are critical to the COVID-19 response and cannot be
safely cared for at home. We have corresponded with families this week but please in form us if you are choosing to isolate at home and use the home education provided.
If you think you fall within the critical categories , you should confirm with your employer that,
based on their business continuity arrangements, your specific role is necessary for the continuation
of this essential public service.
This is an incredibly difficult time for all of us. Please do not be offended if we ask for proof of your
role in public service from your employer. We simply need to protect our pupils, our staff and the
wider society from the spread of this awful virus.
Next steps:
1. Check with your employer that your specific role is necessary for the continuation of this
essential public service and that they are happy to be contacted by school to confirm this fact.
2. Contact school by the end of Monday 23rd March( [email protected] )to in order to confirm that you are a key worker
who meets the above and will need childcare. Please give the name of your line manager
and contact number to Reception as they will be contacted. Please note that no normal
lessons will operate in school due to severely reduced staffing. Children will complete the
same activities that those at home are working on. They must wear full school uniform.
3. Please confirm how your child will be dropped off and collected from school.
4. You will need to communicate with us regarding sickness and absence as you would usually
do.
5. In case of illness or an emergency in school, please change emergency contact
details of elderly relatives or others who are vulnerable as we will have to call them if you are
not available.
6. Please inform school every Monday morning what provision is required for the following
week. For example, Monday morning, Tuesday all day, Friday morning etc.
Remember that your child should not attend school unless it is absolutely necessary to protect our society.
PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD INTO SCHOOL UNLESS THEY ARE ON THE CHILD PROTECTION REGISTER OR YOU ARE A CRITICAL KEY WORKER AND THEY CANT BE KEPT SAFE AT HOME
If staffing levels drop to an unsustainable level due to the virus, we will inform you to contact the
Local Authority who will seek to redirect you to a local school in your area that your child, or
children, can attend.
I thank you, in anticipation, for your co-operation. Most importantly, thank you for your work in supporting us throughout this matter.