Update Wednesday 16th June 2021
The Public Health team at Hertfordshire County Council has asked us to share the following information with you:
Firstly, we want to thank you for all you are doing to play your part and help protect your school community – you’re all doing an amazing job. As we head towards the end of the academic year, let’s work together to reduce the number of cases in our nurseries, schools and colleges and make sure less children will need to learn remotely.
We’re now at a crucial time in our fight against coronavirus. In line with yesterday’s Government announcement we’re asking everyone to not drop your guard just yet – Covid-19 is still here.
There are simple things you can do right now to continue to protect yourself, your family and your school community:
Remember hands, face, space, fresh air – each school may have different rules around face coverings, but everyone aged over 11 should be wearing a face covering when in indoor venues. If you can still meet outside do
Testing – students in year 7 and above are being provided with a free, regular supply of rapid tests and they should continue to take these twice a week. Parents and carers of children in nursery, school or college should also take regular rapid tests along with the rest of the community, by doing this we can all help to reduce the spread of the virus. You can find your nearest collection site or order online at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/rapidtest
Vaccination – please get your vaccine once you are invited to
Please do not send children back into education if they are sick or feel unwell – be cautious.
If you or your child/ren receive a positive result from a rapid test you must begin self-isolating immediately, not attend school and book a confirmatory PCR test.
If you or your child/ren have symptoms (new, continuous cough, change or loss of taste or smell or a temperature) you must self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test at: https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test
If you need help to self-isolate contact HertsHelp for advice and practical help with things like getting food and medicine and accessing financial support. Call 0300 123 4044, email info@hertshelp.net or visit www.hertshelp.net
We know none of this is easy, but if we throw our arms around schools to protect them now, we can all look forward to the summer holidays we’re hoping for.
Thank you again for helping to keep yourselves and your community safe
Update Monday 7th June 2021
Update Tuesday 11th May 2021
Update Friday 5th March 2021
Update Friday 12th February 2021
Government guidance on guidelines for the national lockdown, please remind your children of these do's and don'ts for the February Half Term.
Update Wednesday 10th February 2021
Free Covid Webinar for people aged 11-19 years. On Wednesday 17th February at 11:30am. Please see the flyer for more information.
Update Monday 1st February 2021
Information for parents regarding remote education.
Update Thursday 28th January 2021
SESC Covid-19 Risk Assessment - Updated January 2021
Summary of latest communication on assessments and exams, for GCSE and for Vocational subjects.
Update Thursday 10th December 2020
If your child tests positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) at any point during the Christmas break, please notify us as soon as possible so we can complete the relevant tracking and tracing process with public health, if required, and notify any other children or staff who have been close contacts and who need to self-isolate.
During the holidays you should contact covid@stevenage-esc.herts.sch.uk – please note this will only be monitored until Christmas Eve as after this point your child(ren) shouldn’t be a close contact of anyone at the school. Please don’t call the normal absence line as this won’t be covered during the Christmas break.
Remember as soon as your child or any member of your household develops symptoms, they must start self-isolating immediately and book a test regardless of it being Christmas.
Main symptoms of coronavirus are:
• a high temperature
• a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot, for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
• a loss or change to sense of smell or taste – this means they cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal
If you’re not sure whether symptoms suggest that they have COVID-19 or an everyday cough or cold, you can consult this online NHS symptom checker: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms/
Please do not send children back to nursery or school if any of the following apply:
• they have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)
• they, any members of your household, or any close contacts (including extended family or friends they have seen and bubbles at holiday activities and sports clubs) have tested positive for COVID-19
• they haven’t completed the full 14 day isolation period requested
Self-isolating is one of the most important things we can all do to help stop the spread of the virus and protect our loved ones and the vulnerable. You can read our helpful self-isolating guide at: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/selfisolatingguide
If you or your family are affected by COVID-19 and need support locally with things like shopping, getting medication or financial advice, visit: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/coronavirus Many thanks for your assistance and co-operation with this.
Update Monday 9th November
In response to the ongoing pandemic, Stevenage ESC has set all students up with a Show My Homework account. This enables us to provide home learning to students during any periods of lockdown or self-isolation. All students and parents have been provided with log in instructions. If you have any queries, please contact the Centre.
In addition, we have set up a dedicated Covid email address to be used by any parent who needs to inform us of a positive Covid test result within their family, or if their child is isolating with symptoms.
The email address to use is: covid@stevenage-esc.herts.sch.uk
Update 8th October 2020
On 28th September the Government has advised people in England will be required by law to self-isolate if they test positive or are contacted by NHS Test and Trace.
Please be aware of the following:
- There is now (from Monday 28th September) a legal duty to self-isolate to ensure compliance and reduce spread of COVID-19
- Support is available for people on low incomes who are unable to work while self-isolating through the £500 Test and Trace Support Payment
- Fines for those breaking the rules now in place starting at £1,000 and increasing up to £10,000 for repeat offenders
For more information please read the Government full press release.
Update 25th September 2020
Public Health England have produced a letter for parents of school children which explains when a person requires a coronavirus test and what the symptoms of coronavirus are.
In essence, you should only book a test if your child has any of these three coronavirus symptoms:
1 - A high temperature: any new high temperature where your child feels hot to touch on their chest or back (you do not need to measure the temperature)
2 - A new continuous cough: coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
3 - Loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste: a noticeable loss of smell or taste or things smell and taste different to normal
Update 24th September 2020
Please click here to read a letter to parents and carers from Jim McManus, Director of Public Health
More useful websites providing local information regarding Corona Virus:
A Healthier Future - Improving Health & Care in Herts and West Essex - CONCERNED ABOUT CORONAVIRUS? YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
NHS Herts Valleys Clinical Commissioning Group - CORONAVIRUS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
NHS East and North Hertfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group - www.enhertsccg.nhs.uk - and search ‘COVID-19 advice'
Update 23rd September 2020
The Department for Education coronavirus (COVID-19) helpline is available to answer questions about coronavirus (COVID-19) relating to education and children’s social care.
Please listen carefully to the available options and select the most appropriate to your nursery, school, or college’s current situation. Staff, parents and young people can contact this helpline by calling:
Phone: 0800 046 8687
Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm
Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm
Update 22nd September 2020
Update 16th September 2020
When to self-isolate and what to do: Advice from the NHS
What is self-isolation?
Self-isolation is when you do not leave your home because you have or might have coronavirus (COVID-19).
This helps stop the virus spreading to other people.
Self-isolation is different to:
- social distancing – general advice for everyone to avoid close contact with other people
- shielding – advice for people at high risk from coronavirus
When to self-isolate
You must self-isolate immediately if:
- you have any symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste)
- you've tested positive for coronavirus – this means you have coronavirus
- you live with someone who has symptoms or tested positive
- someone in your support bubble has symptoms or tested positive
- you're told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace
- you arrive in the UK from a country with a high coronavirus risk – see GOV.UK: how to self-isolate when you travel to the UK
What is a support bubble? Information:
If you think you've been in contact with someone who has coronavirus, but you do not have symptoms and have not been told to self-isolate, continue to follow social distancing advice.
How to self-isolate
You must not leave your home if you're self-isolating.
Don’t
· do not go to work, school or public places – work from home if you can
· do not go on public transport or use taxis
· do not go out to get food and medicine – order it online or by phone, or ask someone to bring it to your home
· do not have visitors in your home, including friends and family – except for people providing essential care
· do not go out to exercise – exercise at home or in your garden, if you have one
When to get a test
Get a test as soon as possible if you have any symptoms of coronavirus.
The symptoms are:
- a high temperature
- a new, continuous cough
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
The test needs to be done in the first 5 days of having symptoms.
You do not need to get a test if you have no symptoms or if you have different symptoms.
Get a test to check if you have coronavirus
Tell people you've been in close contact with that you have symptoms
You may want to tell people you've been in close contact with in the past 48 hours that you might have coronavirus.
What does close contact mean?
They do not need to self-isolate unless they're contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service. But they should take extra care to follow social distancing advice, including washing their hands often.
If they get any coronavirus symptoms, they must self-isolate and get a coronavirus test as soon as possible.
How long to self-isolate
If you have symptoms or have tested positive for coronavirus, you'll usually need to self-isolate for at least 10 days.
You'll usually need to self-isolate for 14 days if:
- someone you live with has symptoms or tested positive
- someone in your support bubble has symptoms or tested positive
- you've been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace
Read more about how long to self-isolate.
Help and support while you're staying at home
While you're self-isolating:
- you can get help with everyday tasks, like collecting shopping or medicines, from an NHS volunteer
- you might be able to get sick pay or other types of financial support if you're not able to work
Find out about help and financial support while you're self-isolating.
Please click on the below to view latest guidance regarding Covid-19:
Covid-19 Pupil Absence - Quick Reference Guide
Information for parents and carers on suspected COVID-19 (coronavirus) in a child
Update 27th July 2020
We have received further guidance for parents and carers regarding suspected COVID-19 (coronavirus) in a child. Please read the flowchart document: Coronavirus flowchart for parents and carers, as we will be adhering to this guidance in September unless new advice is made available.
Update 7th July 2020 - Exams: Summer Term 2020
As per Government guidance, this year's summer exams will not take place. Processes are in place to issue grades to students due to sit exams.
Please watch the video from OFQUAL for more information about exam grading in 2020.
Please click here for more information from JCQ.
Update 30th June 2020
Think U Know - Internet safety for Children and Young People
Think U Know have produced some age appropriate home activity worksheets for children and young people, which are available on the Think U Know website.
Update 26th June 2020
Supporting children and young peoples' mental health - 'Wellbeing in 15'
Please click here for information and to sign up to free mini courses for children to help improve their confidence, resilience and wellbeing.
Free for a limited period.
FREE Building Confidence and Resilience in Children - Parent/Carer Training - 08/07/20
Run by the organisation NESSie, this is a remote Parent/Carer forum to help parents support their children at home and returning to school.
Getting the right help to you and your child. This online forum is designed to help parents support their children whilst at home and transitioning back to school.
The aim of the session is to help develop a better understanding of feelings and the ways in which we can support children develop confidence and resilience. This training would be suitable for parents and carers with children up to age 13.
Taking place on Wednesday 8th July 2020 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
To book a place please click here.
Update 12th June 2020
We will be opening to all our full time students from Monday 15th June.
Parents/carers have been informed of the following:
KS3 students will arrive on site for 9.30am and will leave site at 12noon
KS4 students will arrive on site for 12.15pm and will leave site at 2.30pm
Lunch for students will be provided
We have completed a Risk Assessment for opening the Centre during this time.
Update 8th June 2020
North Herts College Virtual Open Events
These are being held in June to give Year 11 students the opportunity to find out more about the different courses available at the college.
Hair & Beauty - Tuesday 16th June at 10AM
Childcare and Health and Social Care - Tuesday 16th June at 1PM
Sport and Public Services - Tuesday 16th June at 3PM
Creative Arts - Wednesday 17th June at 10AM
IT - Wednesday 17th June at 1PM
Business and Travel & Tourism - Wednesday 17th June at 3PM
Catering & Hospitality - Thursday 18th June at 10AM
Science - Thursday 18th June at 1PM
Engineering and Construction campus Thursday 18th June at 3PM
Apprenticeships Friday 19th June at 10AM
To book go to: www.nhc.ac.uk/open-events
If you have any questions prior to the open events, you can contact North Herts College on: 01462 424242,
or email: enquiries@nhc.ac.uk
Update 2nd June 2020
DSPL are a local provision and support service available in Hertfordshire. They have asked us circulate their information to help you access support should you need it.
They have a facebook page DSPL2 Stevenage and DSPL website
Update 22nd May 2020
Next week (Mon 25th-Fri 29th May) is half term week. The Centre will be closed to students during half term week, however, staff will continue to be available by telephone on 01438 369119 between 10am and 12noon should you need to call.
The half termly newsletter and attachments are available to view on our website by clicking here, and copies will be emailed to parents/carers next week.
Just Talk Herts held a Coronavirus webinar on 14th May for young people. A recording of the webinar is available now, please click here to view.
Update 15th May 2020
Students may find the information available on the Amazing Aprenticeship website useful. They have added a range of online resources that will enable parents/carers and students to continue to access the latest apprenticeship support and guidance from home.
Amazing Apprenticeships website
They have also produced a Special Covid-19 Edition of their Parents’ and Carers’ Apprenticeship Information pack, providing further guidance and support.
Apprenticeship Information Pack May 2020
Update 7th May 2020
Think U Know, the website for internet safety, have produced some Home Activity Packs to support parents during COVID-19 and the closure of schools. Each fortnight, they will be releasing new home activity packs with simple 15 minute activities you can do with your child to support their online safety at a time when they will spending more time online at home. Please click the link to be taken tor their website.
Update 5th May 2020
This Wellbeing Guide has been put together detailing local services, contacts, apps and webpages for children and young people.
Families Feeling Safe - Free Online Course for Parents/Carers
Families Feeling Safe work with children, parents/carers and organisations sharing information to allow children, young people and families to feel safer in their communities by improving their resilience and emotional & mental wellbeing. Families Feeling Safe are keen to provide support to parents and carers during this time. This term they will be offering 2 free online courses supporting families with Protective Behaviours. These courses will be provided using Zoom, people accessing the course will need a phone, tablet, laptop or computer.
The funding has been allocated to specific areas of Hertfordshire (East Herts and Broxbourne) however, depending on need and availability of places, they may be able to accept referrals from other areas of Herts. Click below for more information.
NHS Schools and Families Advice Line (SFAL)
The ‘Schools and Families Advice Line’ (SFAL) is a new service established to provide emotional wellbeing advice and early help to children and young people, school staff and families during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It can be really worrying when you, or someone you know is going through a difficult time. If you feel this service could help, please call our Single Point of Access (SPA) who will take your details before passing them onto our call back service.
Contact Details:
Telephone: 0300 777 0707
Email: hpft.spa@nhs.net
You will get a call back from a mental health practitioner between 8am-5pm, Monday to Friday.
For more information, click here.
Update 4th May 2020
Information regarding Exams - For Year 11 Students and their Parents / Carers
The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (ofqual) have released a letter regarding their plans for the issuing of GCSE and A Level grades this summer.
It explains how grades will be calculated and when you will receive them, as detailed below:
"All schools/colleges will be asked to send exam boards two pieces of information for each of your subjects, based on what they know about your work and achievements:
- the grade they believe you were most likely to get if teaching, learning and exams had happened as planned
- within each subject, the order of students at your school or college, by performance, for each grade. This information will be used to standardise judgements – allowing fine tuning of the standard applied across schools and colleges
Your school or college will consider a range of things like your classwork and homework; your results in assignments and any mock exams; any non-exam assessment or coursework you might have done; and your general progress during your course. This information will allow us, with exam boards, to standardise grades across schools and colleges, to make sure that, as far as possible, results are fair and that students are not advantaged or disadvantaged because their schools or colleges are more generous or harsh than others when making those judgements. That means the final grade you get could be different from the one your school or college sends to the exam board."
Results will be made available to students no later than the planned GCSE results day which is 20th August 2020.
To read the letter in full please click here.
Action for Happiness
The Action for Happiness website has been created by a movement of people committed to building a happier and more caring society, who want to see a fundamentally different way of life - where people care less about what they can get just for themselves and more about the happiness of others.
They are producing monthly calendars are packed with actions you can take to help create a happier and kinder world.
Click on the link to view their Action Calendar - Meaningful May
Update 28th April 2020
Emotional Wellbeing
Herts Mind Network have launched a new early intervention and prevention helpline for children and young people aged 10-17 in Herts. The helpline will provide a safe, non-judgmental space to talk to a Young People Advisor or Mentor who will provide emotional support, advice and information, signposting and discuss coping strategies.
This service is currently open to support you at the following times:
Mon, Wed and Fri - 13:00 – 16:30
Tues & Thurs - 17:00 – 19:30
Saturday - 10:00 – 13:00
To contact the helpline please call 01923 256391
Herts Mind Network are also able to offer support to parents either through this line, or our 18+ 24/7 line – reached through the same number.
Thank you to local charity Feed up Warm up who have just given us food parcels for our families in most need.
We appreciate your help in keeping local families provided for during these difficult times.
Update 24th April 2020
For those Stevenage residents who are self-isolating and who are struggling to get out, North Herts and Stevenage Community Transport Scheme have a team of Volunteer Drivers who can help with collecting and delivering prescriptions and medications, even with food deliveries.
If you need help at all, telephone 01462 689402.
Advice for parents during coronavirus regarding illness in children
This document has been produced by The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
Update 23rd April 2020
Hertfordshire County Council have issued the following document:
Looking after your mental health and wellbeing during Coronavirus - Information for Children and Young People which contains information about useful websites, online support, advice and guidance.
If you are having a mental health crisis, please call:
Between 9am-5pm: 0300 777 0707
or
Between 5pm-9am: 01438 843322 to speak to the local mental health service
If you need medical intervention or in an emergency go to your nearest Accident and Emergency department or call 999
Childline: If you're under 19 you can confidentially call, email or chat online about any problem big or small Freephone 24h helpline: 0800 11 11
Young Minds Crisis Messenger provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK if you are experiencing a mental health crisis. If you need urgent help text YM to 85258
Update 21st April 2020
Thinkuknow is the national online safety education programme from CEOP, the online child protection command of the National Crime Agency. It aims to help parents, carers, teachers and others keep children safe from sexual abuse, offering learning activities, advice and support for children and young people aged 4-18 and their families.
Thinkuknow have provided the following information while school is closed, to keep your child stay safe while they are learning, staying in touch with family and friends, and having fun online.
Video chatting - a guide for parents and carers of secondary school aged children
Home Activity Pack for children aged 11 - 13
Home Activity Pack for children aged 14+
Virtual Tours
Update 20th April 2020 - SESC limited opening continues into the Summer Term
Stevenage ESC will be open to EHCP and vulnerable students daily (Mondays - Fridays).
- Food will be provided for students and staff on site
- FSM students not in the Centre will be provided with vouchers
- Staff will make daily calls to all SESC families
- Additional support (food parcels) has and will be provided when necessary
- Staff will continue to provide work for students not in the centre
- Students in the centre will have additional work to take home
- All other students will work from home with ‘additional work’ set by staff
Centre protocols for students entering the centre
- Students reminded to social distance
- Student temperatures to be taken as they enter the centre daily
- Students will be told to change clothes when they go home
- Students sit in the lobby (seats apart) and wait to be taken through to wash hands
- Breakfast and lunch will be provided in the community room
- Timetable of activities will be provided (Sport will involve washing hands and equipment before and after activity. This applies to all activities)
- Students to remain 2 metres apart (reminded when necessary)
- Parents will be informed that students need to isolate out of school hours to keep both staff and students safe
- Any student not isolating out of school hours will have their place reviewed, and will be reported to external agencies
The Government have set up two websites for home schooling children, from Reception to Year 10 which can be accessed and utilised by our students if they wish:
and
Gavin Williamson, Education Secretary, made a statement on Sunday 19th April regarding the Government's online home schooling websites, and their plans to help vulnerable students to access these learning platforms during this time.
To read his speech please click here
Safer Places - Domestic Abuse Support Services - Live Chat launch
Safer Places has launched a new live chat service to support those experiencing, or at risk of abuse. The new service enables anyone experiencing abuse to chat directly with a member of the Safer Places team. The measures announced to tackle coronavirus (COVID 19) have seen day to day life change dramatically and undoubtedly made it harder for people to access support services as survivors are isolated with abusers with small windows of opportunity to speak. This new service will give survivors the opportunity to access support discreetly.
The service will initially be open between 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Friday, and 8pm - 8am Friday to Sunday.
To access the Safer Places website, click here.
Update 7th April 2020
The Hertfordshire Mind Network are offering free webinars regarding mental health and coping during the Corona Virus crisis to families in Hertfordshire. Details are provided in the information to the right.
Update 03/04/2020
Today is the last day of the Spring Term. Student reports will be posted out to parents/carers along with the end of term newsletter. We will continue to post updates on our website regularly. The Centre office will be manned between 10am and 12noon during the Easter break (excluding Good Friday and Easter Monday) if you need to contact us. Stay safe.
Please click the link to view an appendix to our current Child Protection Policy during the school closure: Child Protection Appendix
Update 01/04/2020
The Government has issued guidance for students in receipt of Free School Meals
You can now sign up to receive updates from GOV.UK regarding the Government’s response to coronavirus (COVID-19).
Sign up is quick, free and means you will be alerted when information is published. Sign Up Here
Update 30/03/2020
Year 11 Students: Mrs Hughes will be contacting Year 11 students by telephone for a one to one careers interview and to make applications for apprenticeships, college and employment during this week and the week after Easter.
Can students ensure they have a current and working email address in preparation for the call.
Students may find this link helpful: How to Write a CV
Update 25/03/20
Please click to view document for Supporting Children with LD & ASD with COVID Isolation
Free School Meals Scam Email
We have had information from Hertfordshire County Council that a scam email is being sent to parents, asking them for bank details if they have children who qualify for Free Schools Meals. Please do not respond to this email or give out any private information such as banks details or passwords.
This is also a reminder to not reply to any text messages if you’re unsure of the sender, download attachments or click on any links in emails if you’re unsure if they are genuine.
Please click here for the Government link for further helpful information.
Taking CARE of each other. Follow us on Twitter #CARE and www.eTwinning.net and @StevenageESC
Update 24/03/20
Please click to view more information about Managing the transition to home schooling from the Centre for Inclusive Education.
Update 23/03/20
Government advice regarding school closures
Guidance regarding Year 11s due to take exams: Summer Exams 2020 Guidance
Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing - Useful links and information from the NHS:
Resources and ideas about things adults and young people can do to manage any stress and anxiety they may experience in relation to
coronavirus. They also have a mental health advice line available for parents operating between 09:30am-4pm, Monday- Friday: 0808 802 5544
How to look after your mental health when self-isolating
Provides general information about looking after your mental health which would be relevant during this challenging time as much as at any other time and provides top tips to improve emotional wellbeing.
Provides useful information about how to cope if people feel anxious about coronavirus, how to manage staying well at home if being asked to self-isolate and taking
care of your mental health and wellbeing among other tips and advice.
Education Support website is dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of education staff in schools, colleges and universities. It contains free information including a
free 24/7 helpline – 08000 562 561. It also has financial advice information for supply teachers
Provides a crisis helpline for anyone experiencing mental health distress or requiring emotional support and signposting. Professionals, family/ friends can
call on someone’s behalf with the individual’s consent. Crisis Helpline number: 01923 256 391
The Anna Freud Centre 'Schools in Mind' have worked closely with settings to help promote whole-school and college approaches to wellbeing. They are conscious that the Coronavirus
is creating increased pressure and additional workload for school and college staff at an already busy time of the school year. Therefore, they have produced this following
document which they hope will give some guidance about how to maintain children’s wellbeing at a time of uncertainty.
They have also developed three videos which will hopefully be helpful to share as follows:
For schools staff
Addressing social stigma associated with Covid-19 published by the WHO and UNICEF
Weekly update via the Healthy Young Minds in Herts website where the information above will also be shared
There will also be a webpage for young people and families, focussed on how to cope during periods of self-isolation,
appearing very soon on www.justtalkherts.org
Safer Places Domestic Abuse Services
As per Government and Public Health England advice for Coronavirus (COVID-19), Safer Places are still operating and will continue to provide services and support to victims of Domestic Abuse who need our services whilst taking the necessary precautions.
Safer Places want to reassure our clients, teams and partners that we are working hard to keep our services open, and make sure that the people who need support will continue to receive it during these challenging and unprecedented times. In order to do this, we are changing how we deliver our services. We are reducing our face to face contact and we have taken the decision not to run Triple R and Made for Money sessions and all training at this time.
We are still accepting new refuge referrals (if we have space) where the victim or children are not showing symptoms or self-isolating.
We are still accepting outreach referrals and will continue through the crisis. Our outreach support will be delivered by video calling or via the telephone.
As the situation with COVID-19 is developing quickly, we are following Government and public health guidance to continue delivering our front-line services whilst minimising the risk to our staff and clients.
Further information and advice will be shared through our website and social media channels as it becomes available.
Our emergency line will remain open 24/7 please call 03301 025 811 for more information about how to access our services.
Update: 20/03/20:
Please click on the link to view the Latest Government Advice
Letters will be sent out to all parents today with arrangements for Monday onwards.
Mrs Hughes wishes to share this resource for Year 7-11 and will give information and guidance on apprenticeships: Learn at Home - Amazing Apprenticeships
Update: 19/03/20:
Stevenage Football Club is launching a Coronavirus Community Careline on Monday 23rd March and will look to provide non-medical advice and support, using Club staff.
The number to call is 01438 222222 and lines will be open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday, starting from Monday 23rd March 2020.
The objective is to provide services in four areas:
• Foodbank Donations & Deliveries: The club will work with local Stevenage Foodbanks to encourage donations and will work with local foodbanks to assist them with their deliveries.
• Senior Kitchen: The Club’s kitchens will also be utilised to provide food for those in need, starting with an initial sandwich service, to provide food for those in most need.
• Community Service: Local residents at risk and those over 70 can call the helpdesk to log everyday requirements, ranging from picking up prescriptions to walking the dog. The helpdesk will then liaise with Stevenage staff and volunteers or local services.
• Friendly Chat: Club staff will be on hand to take calls to provide a friendly ear and provide details of additional support services available.
Based on the ever-changing situation regarding COVID-19, all details are subject to change and will follow official guidance. Visit www.StevenageFC.com for the latest information.
Please find some telephone numbers/links below which may be useful during the event of school closure/community lockdown:
Safeguarding Children:
Where you are concerned that a child may be at imminent risk of significant harm, please call 999 for Police or make a Child Protection Referral by either calling the Customer Service Centre on 0300 123 4043
NSPCC: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/
08088005000
Herts Young Homeless Group: https://www.hyh.org.uk/contact-us
03333 202 384
hyh is a unique charity in Hertfordshire providing services to support vulnerable people. With a focus is on preventing homelessness - from education in schools and family mediation through to supporting 16-24 year olds in their first homes or caring for adults of all ages who have mental health issues and housing needs.
Financial issues:
Stevenage Foodshed: Foodbank facility for Stevenage families in crisis (referral only): http://www.stevenage-vineyard.co.uk/
01438 361616
Benefits service (Stevenage): benefits@hertspartnership-ala-gov.uk 01438 242440
For support with:
Benefits - New Claim
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Citizens Advice Bureau Stevenage: http://www.stevenagecab.org.uk/ 0344 411 1444
Self employment hotline for those impacted by Coronavirus: 0300 456 3565
Update on guidance and support in relation to Covid-19 - 16/03/20
Dear Parent/Carer(s)
You have probably seen the news that the government announced some new measures to deal with COVID-19 and also a change to its overall response, moving from the ‘contain’ to the ‘delay’ phase of its plan. As before, the advice remains that effective hand hygiene and using a tissue when coughing or sneezing are some of the most effective ways in which we can help reduce the spread of the virus. The school is continuing to do all that it can to minimise the spread with good hygiene and is following all the advice from Public Health and Herts County Council and as such we believe there is no additional risk to students and staff.
Self-isolation and staying at home
As you know the government has widened their advice on who should self-isolate to include those that have coronavirus like symptoms - a new or continuous cough or a high temperature, however mild - should stay at home for at least 7 days to protect others and help slow the spread of the disease. All our staff will be expected to follow this advice, and we ask you to ensure that your children do so too. If your children are absent from school because they are ill, please continue to call the school every day on 01438 369119.
In certain circumstances you may be advised by medical professionals to keep your child at home even if they are not unwell. If this is the case please let us know and we will support your decision. I understand that parents are concerned about the risk of their children catching Coronavirus and that some may wish to keep children at home even though they have not had any medical advice to do so. However, we cannot agree to a child’s absence for that reason alone. All children who are well enough to come to school are expected to continue attending as normal unless advised otherwise by Public Health England.
School Trips
There has been updated guidance on school trips and the government has advised that planned school trips outside the UK should not go ahead. We will of course follow this advice and we will write separately to the families of all children who were due to go on overseas trips in the remainder of the academic year. The government advice is that school trips within the UK can at present go ahead safely. As the COVID-19 situation in the UK is changing rapidly we will review the risk assessment for each trip before it goes ahead and advise of cancellations or changes accordingly.
The possibility of school closure
Some parents have asked whether we could choose to close the school now. If we are ordered to close the school by Public Health England, because there is a risk to children/students and staff we will do. If the government make a decision to close all schools we will do so, otherwise our intention is to stay open and operate as normal. The Government has made it clear it expects schools to remain open unless public health advice has been given to close. This is based on the clear advice from the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government, Sir Patrick Vallence, on how best to manage this epidemic. We are sure that you will be supportive of this.
We are however preparing in case the school closes and we are looking at ways for managing a remote curriculum and contingency planning is underway regarding public examinations. We recognise that if closure is necessary this will have significant implications for many of our families with issues ranging from the loss of free school means to problems for families finding suitable childcare.
Keeping informed
Obviously, we will continue to provide updates as the situation continues to develop and would ask that you inform the school of any contact your family may have had with a person with symptoms or who has tested positive.
Thank you for your continued support.
Dan Nearney, Headteacher