School Update 10 March 2020 (COVID-19)
Some parents are understandably interested to hear how we are attempting to manage our extensive international exchange and tours programme given the current uncertainty and advice on the coronavirus. As mentioned in earlier briefing papers we will continue to seek advice and recommendations from every reliable source as we attempt to make decisions based on ‘facts’ and ‘evidence’.
We are currently dealing with educational trips and journeys in calendar order and have, so far, agreed with our friends in Japan and Madrid, to postpone the return legs of our exchange programmes scheduled for March, until a more suitable time in the future.
We expect to receive a decision from the British Council and the Institute of Education, for their heavily subsidised summer Year 8 trip to China, by the end of March. We will follow their advice and recommendations (based on Department for Education, NHS and Public Health England (PHE) sources) as soon as it is received.
We are also in contact with our friends and colleagues in Liege and Rheinfelden for the Belgian and Swiss exchange programmes in April and May. We must also consider advice from the Belgian and Swiss Governments when managing these trips.
The school’s general position is to manage our international programme based on information provided, and decisions made, by external bodies, such as the Department for Education, travel companies and agencies, and, to leave the final decision for each trip as late as is reasonable. If it is announced that trips to specified countries should be cancelled, then insurance and travel companies will cover the costs of cancellation. If a parent withdraws their son or daughter from a trip, then unfortunately cancellation charges are likely to apply if fees have already been paid. There is currently nothing that we can do about this and the uncertainty is deeply unsatisfactory for us all. Representations are being made to government officials to support schools faced with these difficulties.
As mentioned elsewhere this is an unprecedented situation and we are trying to make the most sensible decisions, in the interests of our students, as we navigate our way through the many issues to consider.
We will provide regular updates on the school website. We are not aware of any suspected cases of infection and no potential risk of exposure across the school community. We will continue to fulfil our responsibility to keep the school operating as normal and in the usual way for the benefit of all. We will continue to implement the necessary safeguards to minimise risk. The DFE have a launched a helpline to answer any questions you may have: Phone 0800 046 8687, DfE.coronavirushelpine@education.gov.uk (Open Mon – Fri 8am – 6pm)
Travel advice: www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus
W J Oakes
10 March 2020
