Update from Dr. Sue Fisher

23rd October 2020Neil Simpson
Dear Parents and Carers,
Firstly, thank you for all your support this half term. As you know, we have had a number of cases of Coronavirus this half term and most bubbles have been affected at some point; however, we have done all we can to avoid in-school transmission and no one caught COVID-19 in school. That’s thanks to everyone doing their very best to follow all the rules, the cleanliness of the school buildings, frequent hand washing, wearing face coverings and keeping 2m social distance. THANK YOU!
 
Remember, please don’t send your child to school if they are unwell. If anyone in your household has symptoms of Coronavirus, please do not send your child to school even if they seem fit and well. Thank you very much for your support in keeping everyone, the children, staff and all our families, as safe as possible.
 
Finally, although this week the Government sadly did not vote to support schools to give free school meals vouchers to pupils who receive pupil premium in the school holidays, we are sending vouchers out to these families anyway. We know that times are tougher just now and we want to do whatever we can to support you.
There is a staff training day on Monday 2nd, so we will see you again on Tuesday 3rd November.
Have a safe, restful and fun half term.
Take care,
Sue

Informing school of a positive test result

7th October 2020Neil Simpson

Dear Parent / Carer,

INFORMING SCHOOL OF A POSITIVE COVID TEST

If a pupil or member of staff tests positive for Coronavirus, there are many things that we need to consider and then take action very swiftly. If your child is tested for Coronavirus, it is important that we are informed immediately if the result is POSITIVE. We appreciate that this may be out of school hours, and to support you with this, we have arranged the following procedure:

Out of normal school hours, you should send a text immediately to our COVID MOBILE on 07599 019223 including the child’s name and class number.

You should also then email the positive test result you received to admin@thedales.northumberland.sch.uk.

Your child must stay at home and the household needs to self-isolate for 14 days. A member of staff will contact you as soon as we return to school.

If you receive the POSITIVE test result during normal school hours, then please contact the school office as soon as possible. Your child must stay at home and the household needs to self-isolate for 14 days.

It is extremely important that we receive this information as soon as possible, to allow us to make the necessary arrangements and keep everyone safe.

We thank you so much for your continued support during this very difficult time.

Kind regards,

Dr Sue Fisher

Head Teacher

Update

30th September 2020Neil Simpson

UPDATE 30/9/20:

 
One child at Blythdale site has tested positive for Coronavirus. In line with advice and guidance, close contacts of this child are now self-isolating, at home, until Wednesday 14th October (14 days since that child was last in school).
 
One member of staff has also tested positive for Coronavirus. In line with advice and guidance, close contacts of this member of staff are now self-isolating, at home, until Tuesday 13th October (14 days since that member of staff was last in school). As this is the second case in the same bubble, Bubble 3 is closed until 13th October.
 
The class affected earlier this week by the case in 11B in Bubble 3 can still return to school next week, as this class is unaffected by the positive case today. Children and staff in 11B can return to school on Tuesday 6th October.
 
Parents with any queries should phone Blythdale site during usual school hours (01670 352556).
 
Ashdale site remains fully open as usual.
Blythdale site is open for all other unaffected children.
 
Anyone with symptoms of Coronavirus should seek a test as soon as possible – A persistent dry cough and/or a fever and/or loss of ability to smell or taste. Further advice is available here:  https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
 
Please do not send your child to school if they are unwell. 
 
Many thanks for your understanding and ongoing support.