Unfortunately, it's the season of coughs and colds. This means there is understandably a lot of uncertainty about whether to send children to school if they have a sore throat, runny nose or cough.

We have been reading and re-reading the guidance today as well as talking on the phone to the Local Outbreak Response Team. 

Children with a bit of a runny nose, stuffy nose or sore throat can attend school if they are well enough.

BUT...

If your child has any of these symptoms:

• A new persistent cough - coughing a lot for longer than an hour or 3 coughing outbursts a day
• A high temperature - they will feel hot to touch
• Loss of sense of smell or taste

They MUST stay at home and you should arrange for a Covid-19 test. Any brothers and sisters must ALSO STAY AT HOME as should the whole household and any support bubble.

If there is a negative test result and there is no high temperature for 48 hours, the children may then return to school.

Should a child or member of staff test positive for Covid-19 - nad we hope this doesn't happen - Public Health will make an assessment about who else outside their household needs to isolate at home.

Also, if you are in any doubt about your child's health, do ring your GP or NHS Direct for advice.  We only know about what we read in the guidance and you should always get professional advice if you are worried.

Thank you as always for your support. Let's remember to stay 2 metres apart (adults) and for us all to be rigorous with hand hygiene and catching coughs and sneezes safely.