• The headteacher has written to parents and explained the situation

• Some children will have to stay at home for 10 days

• The school is working closely with Public Health England

Ashby School says it has been advised of 'multiple Covid-19 cases'.

But the school remains open although some children have been told that they must stay at home for 10 days.

Headteacher Nicola Koncarevic has written to parents and carers explaining the current situation.

She said: "We have been advised by Public Health England that there have been confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the school.

"We know that you may find this concerning, but we are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England.

"This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child.

"Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.

"The parents of children who have been in close contact with the individual who has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) have received a letter informing them that their child must stay at home for 10 days.

"The school remains open and your child should continue to attend as normal if they remain well.

"It is extremely important that your child continues to carry out Lateral Flow Testing, the test is not complete until you have recorded the result on the school database and the Government website.

"This is the most effective way of supporting each other and the school. We continue to recommend that students wear face coverings as much as possible."

The school has also issued advice to parents of children who develop symptoms of Covid.

The letter adds: "If your child develops symptoms of COVID-19, they must not come to school and should remain at home for at least 10 days from the date when their symptoms appeared.

"Anyone with symptoms will be eligible for a PCR test (the normally available test type) and this can be arranged HERE or by calling 119.

"All other household members who remain well, must stay at home and not leave the house for 10 days. This includes anyone in your 'Support Bubble'.

"Further information is available HERE.

"The household isolation period includes the day the first person in your household's symptoms started (or the day their test was taken if they did not have symptoms) and the next 10 full days. This means that if, for example, your 10 day isolation period starts on the 15th of the month, your isolation period ends at 23:59 hrs on the 25th and you can return to your normal routine.

"Household members should not go to work, school or public areas and exercise should be taken within the home.

"If you require help with buying groceries, other shopping or picking up medication, or walking a dog, you should ask friends or family. Alternatively, you can order your shopping online and medication by phone or online.

"Household members staying at home for 10 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community

"If you are able, move any vulnerable individuals (such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions) out of your home, to stay with friends or family for the duration of the home isolation period.

"The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:

• a new continuous cough

• a high temperature

• a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)

"For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.

"If your child does develop symptoms, you can seek advice from the nhs.uk website HERE

"If you are concerned about your child's symptoms, or they are worsening you can seek advice from NHS 111 HERE or by phoning 111.

"There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with COVID-19

Do:

• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds

• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available

• wash your hands as soon as you get home

• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze

• put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

Further information is available at HERE.