Guidance for Parents/Carers on Flu, COVID 19 and Scarlet Fever from Royal Borough of Greenwich:

Back to school advice issued amid high levels of flu, COVID-19 and scarlet fever – from the UKHSA

As pupils and students return to school following the Christmas break, UKHSA is reminding people that winter illnesses continue to circulate at high levels.

Following simple steps can help protect children, minimise the spread of illness in education and childcare settings and protect wider communities.

Flu and coronavirus (COVID-19) are currently circulating at high levels and are likely to continue to increase in coming weeks. High numbers of scarlet fever, which is caused by group A streptococcus, also continue to be reported.

Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said:

It’s important to minimise the spread of infection in schools and other education and childcare settings as much as possible. If your child is unwell and has a fever, they should stay home from school or nursery until they feel better and the fever has resolved.

Helping children to learn about the importance of good hand hygiene is also key, so practice regular handwashing at home with soap and warm water. Catching coughs and sneezes in tissues then binning them is another simple way to help stop illness from spreading.

Adults should also try to stay home when unwell and if you do have to go out, wear a face covering. When unwell don’t visit healthcare settings or visit vulnerable people unless urgent.

Remember that flu vaccination is still available for all eligible groups and is the best protection against the virus. We have seen good uptake in older age groups but vaccination among young children remains low. Flu can be very unpleasant and in some cases can lead to more serious illness. Getting your child vaccinated protects them and others they come into contact with, and it’s still not too late.

Eligible children include:

• those aged 2 and 3 on 31 August 2022

• all primary school-aged children

• some secondary school-aged children

You can get more information getting your child vaccinated against flu on NHS.UK. https://www.nhs.uk/condit.../vaccinations/child-flu-vaccine/

The Government has now extended Free school meal to families with no recourse to public funds (NRPF), if you think you are eligible, please apply via:

RB Greenwich Council website:

https://www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/info/200285/about_our_schools/395/apply_for_free_school_meals_and_other_grants_for_school_pupils

LB Bexley Council website:

https://www.bexley.gov.uk/services/schools-and-education/free-school-meals/how-apply-free-school-meals#:~:text=You%20can%20apply%20for%20your,the%20school%20gets%20extra%20funding

Dear Parent/Carer,

All students in Years 7 -9 will be taking part in exam week from Wednesday 4th January to Friday, 13^th January 2023. During this time, they will sit exams for all their subjects. The purpose of this is to experience exam conditions, practise timing, and test knowledge and exam skills.  After the exams, teachers will be able to feedback on students’ strengths and weaknesses and ensure that appropriate interventions are put in place.

It is important that your son prepares well for these exams, and it is expected that he revises at home. We will be publishing Subject Revision Maps for students to optimise their revision.

Exams will take place in classrooms, but all will be conducted under exam conditions.

Exam conditions are:

• Silence in the exam room (classroom)
• No revision materials
• No mobile phones, smartwatches or any electrical devices
• No turning round or getting out of seat
• No talking to any other student

Equipment required:

• Clear pencil case
• Black pens (at least two)
• Pencil, ruler, rubber
• Calculator

 If you have any queries regarding the exams, please do not hesitate to contact your son’s head of year or myself.

Yours sincerely,

Ms C Miranda

Associate SLT/KS3 Raising Standards Leader

Click the links below to download TRD guides:

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) has issued safety advice today to ensure everyone is aware of the dangers around frozen water and what to do in an emergency.  

RLSS UK offer safety advice for winter water safety, with simple steps to keep safe during the winter: 

1. Never go onto the ice to play, to retrieve an object, or a pet
2. Never enter the ice to rescue somebody, call 999 and ask for the Fire and Rescue Service

What to do if you fall through the ice: 

• Keep calm and shout for ‘help’
• Spread your arms across the surface of the ice in front of you
• If the ice is strong enough, kick your legs to slide onto the ice
• Lie flat and pull yourself towards the bank
• If the ice breaks, work your way to the bank-breaking the ice in front of you anyway
• If you cannot climb out, wait for help and keep as still as possible. Press your arms by your side and keep your legs together. Keep your head clear of the water
• Once you are safe, go to hospital immediately for a check-up

What to do if you see someone fall through the ice:

• Shout for assistance and phone the emergency services – call 999 or 112
• Do not walk or climb onto the ice to attempt a rescue
• Shout to the casualty to ‘keep still’ and offer reassurance to keep them calm
• Try and reach them from the bank using a rope, pole, tree branch, clothing tied together or anything else which can extend your reach
• When reaching from the bank, lie down to avoid being pulled onto the ice
• If you cannot reach them, slide something which floats, such as a plastic bottle or football, across the ice for them to hold onto to stay afloat whilst help is on the way
• If the casualty is too far away, do not attempt to rescue them. Wait for the emergency services while calming and reassuring the casualty