Updated guidance from DfE for parents and carers (updated 12/11/20)
The DfE have updated thier guidance for parents and carers on what they need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. This update provides information on the national restrictions that came into force on 5 November, the latest advice for clinically extremely vulnerable children and young people and advice on the use of face coverings in education settings.
My child is feeling unwell, should they attend school?
Please see letter regarding Attendance sent 18/09/20 and COVID guidance from The River Exe Learning Partnership
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Please click on the link below to read Government advice on steps to be taken if a member of your household has coronavirus symptoms.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance
What will happen if a pupil is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)?
The Department for Education have published a list of actions that schools must follow in the event that a child or young person displays symptoms or if they confirm they have tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). The action list can be accessed using the link below: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak?utm_source=8%20September%202020%20C19&utm_medium=Daily%20Email%20C19&utm_campaign=DfE%20C19
NHS Test and Trace app and Coronavirus Testing
NHS Test and Trace COVID-19 app
NHS Test and Trace has now launched the NHS COVID-19 app. The app has been launched to help control the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). It will do this by alerting people who may have been exposed to infection so that they can take action.
The app is available to download on smartphones for anyone aged 16 or over. In addition to the guidance for schools and further education colleges which were published on Wednesday, NHS Test and Trace has published guidance and resources to support the use of the app which are available to download.
As a school, we now have a QR code and a poster displaying this will be used to allow any visitors to the school site to be part of Test and Trace.
Coronavirus Testing
The below are the steps, in order, that should be followed to secure a test:
· Children under the age of 5: Urgent Referral Form - Under 5's
· School aged Children (5-18): School Aged Children
· NHS/Health/Care workers: NHS/Health/Care Professionals
· All other individuals: Urgent Referral Form - Adults
Confirmation of a test booking should include a QR code so please do not visit a test centre unless you have been sent a QR code as you may be refused entry.
As children need their parents to conduct the test for them (or help them do it themselves) it is important that when attending a test centre they enter the self-test lane. Failure to do this may result in the test not being available.
NHS Test and Trace has now launched the NHS COVID-19 app. The app has been launched to help control the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). It will do this by alerting people who may have been exposed to infection so that they can take action.
The app is available to download on smartphones for anyone aged 16 or over. In addition to the guidance for schools and further education colleges which were published on Wednesday, NHS Test and Trace has published guidance and resources to support the use of the app which are available to download.
As a school, we now have a QR code and a poster displaying this will be used to allow any visitors to the school site to be part of Test and Trace.
Coronavirus Testing
The below are the steps, in order, that should be followed to secure a test:
- Individuals should only get tested if they have symptoms of coronavirus.
- Parents or carers of children attending school or school staff with symptoms of coronavirus should book a test as normal via the government website or by calling 119.
- If they are unable to book a local testing slot then:
· Children under the age of 5: Urgent Referral Form - Under 5's
· School aged Children (5-18): School Aged Children
· NHS/Health/Care workers: NHS/Health/Care Professionals
· All other individuals: Urgent Referral Form - Adults
Confirmation of a test booking should include a QR code so please do not visit a test centre unless you have been sent a QR code as you may be refused entry.
As children need their parents to conduct the test for them (or help them do it themselves) it is important that when attending a test centre they enter the self-test lane. Failure to do this may result in the test not being available.
Arrangements for September 2020
ALL CHILDREN BACK IN IN SEPTEMBER
Policies and Risk Assessment relating to COVID-19For policies that have been reviewed/updated regarding CV-19 please see the Policies section of the website. |
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Communications
All enquires should be directed to admin@topsham.devon.sch.uk
Please visit the Newsletters and Letters section of the website for all letters and resources that have been sent to parents during this period of school closure, including letters about the remote learning systems that have been put in place and letters regarding possible phased reopening.
Communication between the school and parents remains extremely important. To facilitate this, please ensure that the contact information we hold for you is up to date. If you wish to update your email address, phone number or other contact details, please do so by emailing admin@topsham.devon.sch.uk
Please visit the Newsletters and Letters section of the website for all letters and resources that have been sent to parents during this period of school closure, including letters about the remote learning systems that have been put in place and letters regarding possible phased reopening.
Communication between the school and parents remains extremely important. To facilitate this, please ensure that the contact information we hold for you is up to date. If you wish to update your email address, phone number or other contact details, please do so by emailing admin@topsham.devon.sch.uk
Supporting Children
"We are aware that as the Covid 19 pandemic continues, the news and social media continue to have very challenging content. The children may be being exposed to some very difficult messages, some of which may not even be true. Having conversations about Coronavirus can be a difficult and anxiety provoking in itself. Some tips to help support you are listed below:
•Plan ahead & be prepared– as much as you can be;
•Be as calm as possible;
•Keep to the facts;
•Minimise time spent watching, reading about Covid19 related information;
•Be willing to openly & visibly use your own calming strategies when needed e.g. practising breathing techniques/exercise.
Explaining Social Distancing in Early Years Language:
This link goes to a book that explains in Early Years Language the need for social distancing and how we can do this.
It may be helpful to go back to documents we sent out at the beginning of the outbreak – there is something very reassuring for a child to go back to trusted resources, which are clear and reassuring. Two key ones would be ‘Talking to children about Coronavirus’ and the child friendly explanation cartoon book.
There is also a lovely book 'Coronavirus. A book for children' by Elizabeth Jenner illustrated by Axel Scheffler (from The Gruffalo), which is FREE on Amazon. The book is also available free in Malayalam, French, Dutch and other languages."
•Plan ahead & be prepared– as much as you can be;
•Be as calm as possible;
•Keep to the facts;
•Minimise time spent watching, reading about Covid19 related information;
•Be willing to openly & visibly use your own calming strategies when needed e.g. practising breathing techniques/exercise.
Explaining Social Distancing in Early Years Language:
This link goes to a book that explains in Early Years Language the need for social distancing and how we can do this.
It may be helpful to go back to documents we sent out at the beginning of the outbreak – there is something very reassuring for a child to go back to trusted resources, which are clear and reassuring. Two key ones would be ‘Talking to children about Coronavirus’ and the child friendly explanation cartoon book.
There is also a lovely book 'Coronavirus. A book for children' by Elizabeth Jenner illustrated by Axel Scheffler (from The Gruffalo), which is FREE on Amazon. The book is also available free in Malayalam, French, Dutch and other languages."
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Coronavirus and Safeguarding
Safeguarding Leads and contact information
Members of staff who are safeguarding leads are as follows:
Mrs Emma Pipe: Designated Safeguarding Lead and Headteacher: epipe@topsham.devon.sch.uk
Miss Maria White: Deputy Safeguarding Lead, Deputy Headteacher and Online Safety Leader mwhite@topsham.devon.sch.uk
Mrs Hartmann: Deputy Safeguarding Lead, SENDCO and Early Help Leader nhartmann@topsham.devon.sch.uk
If any parent has a safeguarding concern or query about ANY child within our community, please email for advice.
IF ANY ADULT FEELS A CHILD OR ADULT MAY BE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER YOU MUST CALL MASH (Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub) OR 999
“If you are worried about a child or young person in Devon and want to speak to someone, or if you are a child or young person worried about your own safety please contact the MASH on
0345 155 1071 or email mashsecure@devon.gov.uk and give as much information as you can.”
Devon Children and Families Partnership.
Members of staff who are safeguarding leads are as follows:
Mrs Emma Pipe: Designated Safeguarding Lead and Headteacher: epipe@topsham.devon.sch.uk
Miss Maria White: Deputy Safeguarding Lead, Deputy Headteacher and Online Safety Leader mwhite@topsham.devon.sch.uk
Mrs Hartmann: Deputy Safeguarding Lead, SENDCO and Early Help Leader nhartmann@topsham.devon.sch.uk
If any parent has a safeguarding concern or query about ANY child within our community, please email for advice.
IF ANY ADULT FEELS A CHILD OR ADULT MAY BE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER YOU MUST CALL MASH (Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub) OR 999
“If you are worried about a child or young person in Devon and want to speak to someone, or if you are a child or young person worried about your own safety please contact the MASH on
0345 155 1071 or email mashsecure@devon.gov.uk and give as much information as you can.”
Devon Children and Families Partnership.
COVID-19 updates for parents/carers:
As a school, we are receiving information and updates from a wide range of sources including the Department for Education and Devon County Council. As the situation evolves, we will endeavour to collate the information that is relevant to parents and share this with you on a weekly basis via the school newsletter. This information is also available to view/download by clicking on the buttons below:
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