Nettlefield Primary School
Visitor Information – Coronavirus
In recent days we have seen a rising worldwide response to the Coronavirus (Covid-19). Nettlefield would like to take the opportunity to advise families of our response to the virus.
School will, as far as possible, follow advice published by the Department of Education (DENI) and the Public Health Agency (PHA). Currently, schools are advised to adopt a ‘business as usual approach’; however, as this is a developing situation, updated information will be checked on a regular basis at https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus
https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/2020-03/Guidance%20for%20schools_0.pdf
In view of the recent concerns about Coronavirus (Covid-19) we would appreciate if you would inform us of the following:
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Category 1 |
Category 2 |
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• Italy* • Hubei Province in China, • Iran • Daegu or Cheongdo provinces in South Korea |
• Mainland China outside of Hubei province • Hong Kong • South Korea • Cambodia • Hong Kong • Japan • Laos • Macau • Malaysia • Myanmar • Singapore • Taiwan • Thailand • Vietnam |
* The guidance for Italy applies to those who returned from any area of the country on or after 9 March 2020, or for those who have been in any of the lock-down areas in the last 14 days. Those who returned from areas of Italy outside the lockdown areas before 9 March 2020 do not need to undertake any special measures, but if they develop symptoms they should self-isolate and call NHS 111.
Category 1: Travellers should self-isolate, even if asymptomatic, and use the 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do next.
Category 2: Travellers do not need to undertake any special measures, but if they develop symptoms they should self-isolate and call NHS 111.
Cleaning
In line with advice from the PHA, there are no particular requirements for cleaning of schools at present. However, cleaners have been asked to ensure that handrails and door handles are cleaned regularly and that special attention is given to ensuring that soap is replenished daily in staff and pupil toilet areas. Nettlefield have also taken extra precautions to go further with a deeper clean than usual.
Hygiene
In recent bulletins we have asked pupils to use the Catch It, Kill It, Bin It rule when blowing their nose. They should also be coughing into a tissue or the corner of their elbow. Pupils must also be washing hands
We would also ask that pupils continue to wash their hands using the 30 second rule and singing a well known song such as ‘Happy Birthday’ twice over. Handwashing should take place:
Handwashing is currently advised as sufficient by the PHA although Nettlefield cannot supply alcohol based hand sanitizer. It is up to the discretion of families if they would like to provide hand sanitizer for their children but we ask that it does not become a distraction for pupils. PHA guidelines do state regular, safe handwashing is sufficient.
Communication
At the moment pupils have be updated in class, and in the event of a school closure, via Social Media and SMS Messages.
When school receives new information, this will be sent home to parents via Bulletin, Website and Social Media. In the case of an unplanned school closure, the school website (www.nettlefield.co.uk) and Facebook Page will be updated. Text messages to all families and information will be submitted to EANI and the BBC.
Please take this opportunity to also download our new School NI app. Just search for Schools NI in your app store and find Nettlefield PS under Co. Antrim schools. We will also be sending push notifications to phones and devices by this method.
School Closure and Pupil Learning
In the event of a school closure, staff who will continue to work to ensure as far as possible that pupils can continue with their learning. We would ask that families ensure they have access to an internet source to be able to access our school website at www.nettlefield.co.uk. We will also be using some Fronter Rooms on www.c2kschools.net but children affected will need to know their C2k username and password for access.