Coronavirus information and resources

Up to date information for families - 9th June 2020

An update from the Secretary of State for Education on wider opening of education and early years settings

In a statement made yesterday in the House of Commons the Secretary of State for Education said that the Department for Education continues to follow the best scientific advice and that this cautious, phased return of education and childcare settings is the most sensible course of action to take. While we are not able to welcome all primary children back for a full month before the summer, we are working with the sector on the next steps to allow schools that have the capacity to bring back more children in smaller class sizes to do so before the summer holidays. We will provide further details in the coming days.

The statement in full can be found here:

https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2020-06-09/debates/1FB411B2-E5C6-4E6B-A9F2-1DDBF5F5E8B1/EducationSettingsWiderOpening

28/5/20 Launch of the NHS Test and Trace service

The new NHS Test and Trace service has launched today and will form a central part of the government’s coronavirus recovery strategy.

Anyone who tests positive for coronavirus will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and will need to share information about their recent interactions.

People identified as having been in close contact with someone who has a positive test must stay at home for 14 days, even if they do not have symptoms, to stop unknowingly spreading the virus.

Further information on the NHS Test and Trace service can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-launches-nhs-test-and-trace-service

Guidance on the NHS Test and Trace service for employers, businesses and workers can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-test-and-trace-workplace-guidance

Guidance on how the NHS Test and Trace works can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-test-and-trace-how-it-works

Public Health England has published guidance that explains what you should do if the NHS Test and Trace service notifies you that you are a contact of a person who has tested positive for coronavirus and you do not live with that person.

The guidance can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-for-contacts-of-people-with-possible-or-confirmed-coronavirus-covid-19-infection-who-do-not-live-with-the-person

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers/reopening-schools-and-other-educational-settings-from-1-June

You can help to slow the spread of Coronavirus!

• Make sure you and your children follow these general principles to prevent spreading any respiratory virus:
• Wash your hands often – with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or an alcohol-based sanitiser if soap and water aren’t available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If you feel unwell, stay at home and don’t attend work or school.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home.
• If you’re worried about your symptoms, please call NHS 111 – don’t go directly to your GP or other healthcare environment.

Department for Education Coronavirus helpline - this helpline has been set up to answer questions about the virus related to education. Staff, parents and young people can contact the helpline.

• Phone: 0800 046 8687
• Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk
• Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday)