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)

Tuesday 17 March 2020

Dear Parents and Carers

I am writing with regard to the current situation with the coronavirus. As a school our prime responsibility during this very difficult time, is to keep our school community safe and well. We are stringently following government guidelines.  The new guidelines are that all members of the household, where even just one member of the household is showing symptoms of a cough or high temperature, should not attend school for 14 days.

This advice also has to be followed by members of staff which means several of them are now at home.  As a result we have now stopped following our usual timetable.  

Unfortunately we have to stop after school clubs, PTA Easter parties and trips. A further letter will follow shortly about the Year 6 trip. We are also going to have to postpone the Year 2/3 production of Mary Poppins.

I am aware that in the near future the school might be closed for several weeks so staff are putting together booklets with a range of activities to keep children busy. These will be coming home with them today.  They are also putting lots of information and things to do on the school website under ‘Pupil Tab’ on the home page, then ‘Homework’ on the drop down list, then click on the relevant year groups for your children or click on this link https://www.haydonabbeyschoolandpreschool.co.uk/homework/ Please check regularly for updates if the school is closed.

I know the next few weeks will be very challenging but I am sure we will all be returning to Haydon Abbey ready and excited to get everything back to normal. We very much appreciate your continuing support and understanding.

Kind regards

Judith Ejdowski

Headteacher