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An update from the Headmaster

I write to update and assure you about the precautions our school community is taking to prevent against the Novel Coronavirus outbreak. We continue to monitor the situation regularly and are taking a dynamic approach to this complex and changing picture, following the advice of Public Health England (PHE)  to ensure the health of our whole community, including pupils and staff.  

We are mindful that there will be a number of parents who are concerned about the health of their children and would like to assure you that we are assessing any potential risks on a daily basis. The advice we are following is regularly updated and I would encourage you to follow these updates on the PHE website which offers sensible and unbiased information to anyone who may be worried. Based on the current evidence from WHO and PHE there is no immediate cause for concern, however we have taken the following precautions:

·  Confirmed no pupil or visitor to the school has been in China, particularly the Wuhan region, since the outbreak.

·  We are accepting no pupil or visitor from China and affected regions until the outbreak is contained.

·  All staff and pupils, particularly medical centre and boarding staff, have been briefed on the signs and symptoms of the Novel Coronavirus.

The latest update from the NHS can be found here (www.nhs.uk/conditions/wuhan-novel-coronavirus).

As half-term approaches, we ask that any pupil or family who intends to travel to/from, or have direct contact with anyone from, a Novel Coronavirus affected area, to inform us immediately. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office currently advises against travel to Hubei Province.

Please note:

·  Any pupil, parent or visitor who has travelled to or been in direct contact with anyone from a Novel Coronavirus affected area may be asked to remain at home to prevent the potential spread of the virus.

·  We ask our international community to speak with their UK guardian to check that emergency cover can be made available and if not to let school know immediately.

The wellbeing of our whole school community is of the upmost importance at this time, especially those from China and other affected areas, and I am sure you will join me in supporting them during this worrying period.

We will continue to keep you informed as the situation and official advice changes. Should you wish to discuss any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Mark Birkbeck

Headmaster