Another great activity for our learners to get involved with over the Easter Holidays!

Since you can’t go to the zoo right now, Chester Zoo are bringing the  ZOO  to YOU!

Dear Parents/ Carers

Re: Coronavirus update (COVID-19) #2

Following the letter dated 16/03/20 regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19), we will aim to provide regular updates regarding actions taken to ensure the health and safety of all our staff and learners. Each Principal will provide a personalised daily update which will be accessible via the academy website at the end of each day.

Vulnerable groups

Given the significant challenge posed by COVID-19, we fully support you in the judgment you make about your child’s health and whether you decide that your child should attend the academy. If your child has a temperature and/or a new, persistent cough, then the guidance is that your child should remain at home. Similarly, if anyone in your household has these symptoms then the guidance is that all members of the household should self-isolate for fourteen days. We are asking everyone to be particularly careful to support any learners who are in a vulnerable groups relating to Type 1 Diabetes, lower levels of immunity or if they are asthmatic or any learners who have siblings and household members in the vulnerable group. The very latest health guidelines can be found via the following link to the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/.

Cleanliness of our Estates

I can personally reassure you that each of our academies have plenty of stock onsite to replenish soap, toilet roll and other necessities as required. When stock is running low we encourage learners and staff to report it so that it can be addressed immediately. Our site teams are working hard to ensure that estates are cleaned thoroughly on a daily basis. All staff have been asked to remain vigilant regarding health and safety matters on site.

In case of closure – How will I be informed?

If a decision is made by the government to close schools we will act immediately. Parents and carers will be informed via a text message home and an update added to the academy and Trust website. Should any parent/carer be unable to collect their child, learners will be contained on site until they are available to do so.

In case of closure – How will my child access online resources?

Learners have been reminded of how to access their online learning platforms and the passwords they use. Each academy will have a different approach to accessing online resources, which will be made available imminently for those learners who are in self-isolation. We are also keen for learners engaging in distance learning to have a structure to their day: As far as possible, they should try to cover their timetabled subjects each day with a particular emphasis on English, mathematics and science. They should also take regular breaks, eat healthily and arrange to talk to friends over the phone where appropriate. We will continue to incentivise the use of Hegarty and Century by tracking learners’ usage and keeping everyone updated on our Century and Hegarty learners’ leaders’ boards.

Community

We are a community and as per our value, respecting each other and our world, we support our staff, learners and parents and carers. Should you require any further guidance please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you in advance for your support and patience at this time.

Yours faithfully,

Jo Higgins
Chief Executive

Please see below to download a full copy of this letter.

On Saturday 14th March 2020 our sponsor Dudley College will be holding an open day. We would like to encourage our students to attend to find out the wide range of courses that are on offer including A Levels, Vocational Courses and Apprenticeships. This day is perfect to help you explore your career choices. There will be industry specialists at all campuses available to discuss your ideal career. For more information please click here or speak to Mrs Turton at the Academy. 

Mrs Lawson, Vice Principal:  The Year 8 Parents’ Evening  takes place on Thursday  12th March.  Appointments should be made using our online booking system.  Letters have been sent home in the post.  If you require assistance booking, please contact Mrs Dennis, Year 8 Learning Manager, at the Academy in the first instance on 01384 253722.

 LATEST UPDATE - 10th March 2020

Please see below a letter from Dudley Council's Director of Public Health & Wellbeing regarding the confirmed case of Coronavirus in Dudley.

This is a rapidly evolving situation where information is being gathered and assessed daily by Public Health England.

Today the Department for Education have launched a new helpline to answer questions about COVID-19 related to education.  Staff, parents and young people can contact the helpline as follows:

Phone: 0800 046 8687

Email: [email protected]

Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday)

No school should close in response to a suspected (or confirmed) COVID-19 case unless directed to do so by Public Health England.

We know that you may have concerns or questions about the current outbreak of Coronavirus.  We want to reassure you that we are working hard to ensure everyone at our academies are safe.

Any action taken will be under the guidance of the Government. Information and guidance can be found on the Governments website below:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public

We will continue to keep you updated via our websites if any new information becomes available.  Your co-operation in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Advice for parents/carers

At present, it is unlikely that you or your child will catch the Coronavirus in the Dudley borough.

How serious is the Coronavirus?

• The infection is mild for most people, including children. Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease) may be at higher risk of more serious illness.

• Most people get better with enough rest, and plenty to eat and drink.

How likely are you to catch the virus?

• The chance of being in contact with the virus is currently low in the UK.
• You can only catch it if you have been close to a person who has the virus (less than 2 metres for more than 15 minutes).
• If you and/or your child has returned from Wuhan city and Hubei Province in China, Iran, Republic of Korea including the areas of Daegu or Cheongdo, or any Northern Italian town under containment measures, you should stay at home and do not attend education or work for 14 days. Call NHS 111 for further advice.
• If you and/or your child has travelled to one of the following countries: Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Northern Italy, Japan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand or Vietnam in the last 14 days and are unwell with flu like symptoms you should stay at home and call NHS 111.
• If the risk increases in other countries or regions, it will be updated on this website https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public

• If you haven’t been close to anyone with confirmed COVID-19 or haven’t been to any of the places above or mentioned on the government website, you are fine to carry on as normal.

What you and your children can do to stop the spread of coughs and sneezes

1. Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, use a tissue when possible.
2. Throw away dirty tissues promptly and carefully.
3. Clean hard surfaces (such as door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
4. Most important of all, wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
5. If your child is unwell keep them at home until they are better.

For further information visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/.