Got the Sniffles? Come to School. Got A Cough? Get a Test.

Following an unexpectedly virulent outbreak of the common cold and new information on Covid symptoms, it has become plain that we need to change the rules.

Please keep your child and any siblings off and seek advice about a test from 111 if your child has any of the following:

• Diarrhoea

• Vomiting

• Loss of/change to sense smell and taste

• Temperature 37.4+

• Cough

• Sore throat

If advised to get a test, please let the school know. If negative, your child can return to school when they are better. If positive, follow advice from NHS Test and Trace. The school will follow advice from Public Health England and Shropshire Council regarding any need to send home children/bubbles/whole school.

If you have difficulty getting a test let us know, we may be able to help. We have a very few test kits in school. Priority for these kits is now being given to children with SEND or “otherwise vulnerable” pupils.

If your child has “the sniffles” and is producing mucus, needing to blow nose frequently etc they can come into school. However, if “the sniffles” is joined by a sore throat or cough they must stay at home with siblings until the situation is resolved (see above).

I hope that’s clear.

Thanks to everyone for all the efforts you are making and for giving us helpful feedback.

Mr E 😊