COVID-19 information
What to do if your child starts to display Coronavirus symptoms
A new ‘Covid Checker’ is now available to help you know what to do if your child starts to display Coronavirus symptoms, tests positive, someone in their household displays symptoms or a household member tests positive.
You can find the Somerset COVID Checker here
You may also find this chart on infection control in an education setting helpful.
Latest update on returning to education in September 2020
The Government is expecting children across all year groups, to return to school full-time from the beginning of the autumn term 2020.
The latest guidance for schools on full opening can be found on GOV.UK
You can also find what parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges in the autumn term. This was updated on 21 August.
Updated guidance on the use of face coverings in education
On 21 August, the World Health Organisation (WHO) updated their advice on when children over the age of 12 should wear face coverings. The WHO now advise that “children aged 12 and over should wear a mask under the same conditions as adults, in particular when they cannot guarantee at least a 1-metre distance from others and there is widespread transmission in the area”.
As a result, the government has revised the guidance on face coverings for staff and children in Year 7 or above in England. From 1 September new advice will apply to the use of face coverings by staff and pupils in school years 7 or above and learners in further education in England.
In areas of local intervention, face coverings should be worn by adults and pupils in secondary schools and colleges when moving around, such as in corridors and communal areas where social distancing is difficult to maintain.
Nationwide, schools and colleges will have the discretion to require face coverings in communal areas where social distancing cannot be safely managed, if they believe that is right in their particular circumstances.
Position in Somerset
The Director of Children Services has recently written to all parents and carers and reassuring them that all agencies in Somerset are working together to make the return to school as safe and smooth as possible. This flowchart was also included with the letter.
He highlights the following key messages.
- Please support your schools in all that they are trying to do. These are challenging times for everyone.
- The Government have recently changed their advice on face coverings and therefore children in Year 7 and above must carry a face covering unless there are reasons as to why they not able to use one. Your School will advise on how face coverings are to be used in the school environment.
- If your child displays the symptoms of COVID-19 (high temperature, new and continuous cough and/or loss of taste or smell), then your child must not come to school. It is important that anyone with symptoms requests a test – this can be done by visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by phoning 119.
- If your child receives a positive test result for Coronavirus then please notify the school as soon as possible. All household members (including brothers and sisters) must self-isolate for 14 days.
- If you are contacted by NHS Test and Trace and your family is advised to self-isolate, it is essential that you follow the advice and do not send your child/children to school for 14 days. This applies even if your child/children receive a negative test result as they could develop coronavirus after having the test. You can read more on the NHS website
- If you have just returned from a holiday and been advised to quarantine for 14 days please do and again, do not send your child/children to school until the quarantine period is over.
- If your child/children uses school transport please visit www.somerset.gov.uk/schooltransport for further information and guidance.
- If you or your child/children continue to have concerns about returning to school or school attendance, please do not hesitate to contact staff at the school for advice and support.
Somerset children and young people - health and wellbeing
Somerset’s Children and Young People’s team in Public Health host a website to support schools, colleges, getset services, children’s centres and the wider children and young people’s workforce to improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people in Somerset.
You can find useful information on the Healthy Somerset website
Talking to children about COVID-19
We all realise how difficult it can be trying to talk to children and young people about global crises – how much to tell children, how and when to talk to them, and how we can feel prepared for challenging conversations.
The SCC Education Psychology Service has compiled a list of resources and useful websites that may help you.
Resources for home learning
Where children are not able to attend school, GOV.UK provides various online education resources to help with home learning. These may be useful alongside school resources and support.
More information
Taking exams during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak– This guidance explains what will happen following the cancellation of exams in summer 2020.
Package of support for students who have to defer their studies – Details on a range of opportunities to gain new skills, undertake work placements, additional learning and career development support.
If you haven’t found what you need, or need more support please phone us on 0300 123 2224