Dear Parents/Carers

We have enjoyed welcoming all children back to school this September and have been working hard to make school a safe and exciting environment for all.

Although many restrictions have been lifted we are asking you to continue to be mindful and maintain a distance whilst on school site. Masks are recommended and insisted upon when entering the school building.

Check if you or your child has coronavirus symptoms

If you have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), get a test as soon as possible. Stay at home until you get the result.

Main symptoms

The main symptoms of coronavirus are:

  • a high temperature– this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
  • a new, continuous cough– this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
  • a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste– this means you’ve noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal

Most people with coronavirus have at least 1 of these symptoms.

What to do if you have symptoms

If you have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus:

  1. Get a test to check if you have coronavirus as soon as possible.
  2. Stay at home and do not have visitors until you get your test result – only leave your home to have a test.

More details can be found at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms/

COVID – Frequently Asked Questions for parents

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

To find help in the local area visit:

https://contact-tracing.testing.phe.gov.uk/links/coronavirus-local-help

You are eligible for support from local NHS volunteers. Call: 0808 1963 646 (8am-8pm) if you need support. For further information see:

https://volunteering.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/nhs-volunteer-responders

Find out about the local support available to you to help you continue to stay at home:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19

You/Your Child must continue to self-isolate and not leave your house. If you or anyone in your household experience coronavirus symptoms:

  1. Check symptoms on the NHS111 service or go to https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19
  2. Get a test via https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test
  3. Follow instructions from the testing service

Mental Health:

We recognise that self-isolation can be difficult. If you are feeling low or worried, have a look at this advice and tips: https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou

Legal Requirement for self-isolation:

Confirmed cases could be fined if they do not stay at home and self-isolate when they are told of their positive test result.

Confirmed cases may be fined if they knowingly provide false information about their close contacts to NHS Test and Trace.

Contacts identified and provided advice by the NHS Test and Trace could be fined if they do not stay at home and self-isolate.

This only applied in England and can result in fines up to £10,000.

Financial Help

https://www.coventry.gov.uk/testandtracesupportpayments

The Government have announced that from 28 September 2020, there will be a new legal duty on all those that test positive for COVID-19 or are identified by NHS Test and Trace as a close contact, to self-isolate. Failure to comply will be an offence carrying a fine of at least £1,000 and up to £10,000 for multiple breaches.

To support people on low incomes who must self-isolate, cannot work from home and will lose income as a result, the Government has introduced a Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme. Individuals who qualify and who meet the criteria will be entitled to a £500 lump sum payable into their bank account. These payments will be subject to income tax but not National Insurance contributions

To be eligible for the new Test and Trace Support Payment, you must meet all the following criteria. So, you must:

Have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace either because they’ve tested positive for coronavirus or have recently been in close contact with someone who has

  • Be employed or self-employed
  • Be unable to work from home and will lose income as a result
  • Be currently receiving Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Employment and Support Allowance (Income Related), Jobseeker’s Allowance (Income Based), Income Support, Housing Benefit or Pension Credit.

Emotional Wellbeing

What is Coronavirus? An explainer for Children

Community support available for young people, parents and carers

Please see the attached information sheet for support from national and local services.
Click here to download the information sheet

Text your school nurse or Health Visitor

During these unsettling times, as a parent of child aged between 0-19 year olds, you may be worried about your child’s health and wellbeing and be unsure about how to get the help you need.
Our school nurses and Health Visitors are still here to help – you can text them for confidential advice and support on a wide range of issues.
Parent/carers of child(ren) aged 0-19 can send a text to: 07507329114

Click Here to for more information on the School Nursing Text Service