Coronavirus

Autumn term joint SPP-BMBC Letter

To support students, we have created social stories which you may find helpful to support your child to understand Coronavirus. Public Health England has also released some easy read information you may find useful.

How you protect yourself and your family

Barnsley council continue to monitor the situation across the borough, working closely with partners and Public Health England, adapting their approach as required.

They know that some of the positive cases in the borough are from people socialising together. While people have missed spending time with friends and family, it’s important to remember these two rules:

· When you’re outside, don’t meet with more than six people together at a time.
· You can only socialise indoors with people from up to two households.

Remember, in both of these situations, you still must social distance and wash your hands regularly. You should avoid touching anything unnecessarily, but anything you do touch should be cleaned. This includes walls, doors, door handles, the toilet, the sink and taps.

Symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:

· new continuous cough and/or
· high temperature
· a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia).

Getting a test for Coronavirus (COVID-19)
If you’re concerned in any way, or you have even mild symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19), you can get a free swab test that takes less than a minute.

In Barnsley, we have a local testing site on the Courthouse car park in the town centre. We also have a mobile testing unit that will move around the borough.

Book your test at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119, and you can expect your result the next day.

When should you self-isolate?
Self-isolate immediately for at least 10 days if:

· you have any symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste)
· you’ve tested positive for coronavirus – this means you have coronavirus.

Self-isolate immediately for at least 14 days if:

· someone you live with has symptoms or tested positive
· someone in your support bubble has symptoms or tested positive
· you’ve been told by NHS Test and Trace that you’ve been in contact with someone who has coronavirus.

The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill.

How to self-isolate – reduce the spread of the virus and don’t be a contact
You must not leave your home if you’re self-isolating.

Don’t
· do not go to work, school or public places – work from home if you can
· do not go on public transport or use taxis
· do not go out to get food and medicine – order it online or by phone, or ask someone to bring it to your home
· do not have visitors in your home, including friends and family – except for people providing essential care
· do not go out to exercise – exercise at home or in your garden, if you have one

For more information visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Staff and pupils should stay at home for 14 days if they or ANYONE in their household are unwell with a new, continuous cough OR a temperature of 37.8°C or above to avoid spreading infection to others. Otherwise they should attend education or work as normal.
• If staff or pupils become unwell on site with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature they will be sent home or parents will be asked to collect pupils immediately. They should remain at home for 14 days.

LATEST ADVICE

The advice above is taken from the Department for Education website and can be accessed in full here.

If you do have any questions please let us know. Alternatively the Department for Education have a dedicated helpline which parents can contact should they have any questions.

This can be accessed by calling 0800 046 8687 or emailing DFE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk which is open between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday.

USEFUL RESOURCES

Guidance for Families Suffering Financial Hardship

Criteria for School to Provide a Covid-19 Test

Greenacre Whole School Risk Assessment

All Together Video

Childline Isolation Advice

NSPCC Keeping Children Safe

Unravel- Talking to your Child about Coronavirus

Unravel- Coping with Self Isolation

Unravel- Changing your Behaviours

Unravel- Addressing Challenges of Home Education

CONTACTS

Greenacre School Reception: 01226 729810                          Directory                                      Greenacre Family Team:01226 729810