REPORTING ILLNESS: Help to keep everyone safe and keeping school open.

Think firstly could this be COVID, do we need to book a PCR test.

• At Palfrey Infants we require all parties to support in this management by notifying to us accurately and in a timely manner.
• Please be careful of the language used, do not say FLU if you mean a cold they are very different especially in the current climate!
• We are using the Guidance issued by Public Health England / Walsall in managing illness and Covid cases.
• We report any recorded illness and request parents/ staff ensure test & trace is used when required.

COVID KEY SYMPTOMS:

DO NOT come to school , please phone us 01922 720713.

Plus ensure you get a test as soon as possible if your child has 

• A new continuous cough
• Fever 37.8
• Loss of or change of sense of taste
• Loss of  or change in normal sense of smell

NEW symptoms of Delta variant; Symptoms are similar to a cold, best to get a PCR test.

• vomiting (48 hour rule & PCR)
• over tiredness
• aching limbs
• runny nose
• Diarrhea (48 hour rule and PCR)

If you develop COVID symptoms whilst at home: CONTACT SCHOOL IMMEDIATELY  

If symptoms develop over the weekend contact Mrs Walsh    support@palfreyinfant.co.uk

• Contact the school to inform them of a suspected case by phone as soon as possible. (01922 720713)
• Pupil/ Staff member should stay at home, family can continue as normal if double vaccinated.
• Self-isolate – 10 days for symptomatic individual, 10 days for household members (If PCR positive)
• Arrange testing for symptomatic individual ( via NHS 119 or 
• NHS UKhttps://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-and-tracing/get-a-test-to-check-if-you-have-coronavirus/  
• If anyone who is symptomatic deteriorates or becomes symptomatic please seek medical advice.
• If you need an interpreter phone 119
• School will record this and inform Walsall Health Protection Unit.

If you develop COVID symptoms whilst at school

• Pupil would be moved to isolation area in school , Parents would be called to collect child from the isolation area
• Staff to wear PPE whilst accompanying the pupil
• Pupils to use a separate bathroom (Disabled Toilet)
• The bathroom should be closed and thoroughly cleaned prior to anyone else using it.
• School to keep a record of any illness in school on Appendix 2 form and contact Walsall Health Protection Unit.
• Parent to access a PCR test for their child immediately.
• Family members to self isolate until the result is confirmed unless vaccinated.
• If the test result is negative the child can then return to school.
• PLEASE NOTE : Pupils without a negative test result will not be allowed in school for 10 days.

If a someone in class tests positive for Covid:

Current advice from the government is: September 2021

1. Children DO NOT have to self isolate UNLESS they have symptoms, they can continue to come to school.

2.  Monitor your child for symptoms, however mild, and seek a PCR  test if they have any symptoms. 

( This MUST BE a a full PCR test , phone 119 or go on the NHS website to book a test)

3. You can seek a PCR test for your child as a precaution if you wish.

4. We advise pupils to do a Lateral Flow test prior to coming back into school tomorrow. (Available from local pharmacy)

5. Adult Staff DO NOT have to self isolate if they have had their double COVID vaccination. 

6.Staff who are only single jabbed or not have not yet had the vaccination must self isolate for 10 days. 

Children can remain in school under the new guidance HOWEVER school retains the right to ask pupils to go home if showing any symptoms and not return without a negative PCR test. We ask you to work with us as this is very difficult to manage within school.

Please DO NOT send children into school with ANY COVID 19 symptoms.

Thank you for your support 

Mrs Alison Walsh 

OTHER ILLNESSES not COVID 

Pupils do get other illnesses and you need to report this to school in the usual way through phoning the school office. (01922 720713) We can then advise you. 

SYMPTOMS OR REASONS NOT COVID RELATED:

• Rashes/ unknown spots etc : Consult the pharmacist or out of hours surgery for advice. We will then inform you of school requirements.
• Tiredness: Children need to be in school. Please ensure regular bedtime routines are in place
• Conjunctivitis: (Sticky Eyes) : Consult pharmacist for drops , child can attend school once drops have been administered.
• Crying and upset: Whilst we understand it is hard returning to school we encourage parents to send their children and work with us in getting the children back into the school/ real life routines. Please bring them to school and we will work with you. We do not want children to think not being at school is the norm.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME.