If you have any questions, email:  FAO Mrs Besant on  office@middlefield.cambs.sch.uk and she will reply and will then post the answer here too as you are likely to have similar questions to other people.

Q – What hygiene measures will be in place to prevent transmission?
A – We will:

• use the COVID-19: cleaning of non-healthcare settings guidance (guidance available on Gov.uk) to inform our school-specific risk assessments
• ensure that sufficient handwashing facilities are available. Hand sanitiser will be available in areas without immediate access to soap and water
• clean surfaces that children and young people are touching, such as toys, desks, chairs, doors, sinks, toilets, light switches, more regularly than normal
• ensure that bins for tissues are available and emptied throughout the day
• where possible, ensure spaces are well ventilated
• prop doors open, where safe to do so (bearing in mind fire safety and safeguarding), to limit the use of door handles and aid ventilation

We will ensure that all adults and children:

• frequently wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds and dry thoroughly
• clean their hands on arrival at the setting, before and after eating, and after sneezing or coughing
• are encouraged not to touch their mouth, eyes and nose
• use a tissue or elbow to cough or sneeze and use bins for tissue waste (‘catch it, bin it, kill it’)
• ensure that help is available for children and young people who have trouble cleaning their hands independently

We will consider how to encourage young children to learn and practise these habits through games, songs and repetition.

Q – Will the school have assemblies?
A – There will be no mass gatherings as a school, for the time being. Assemblies will be shown on the boards in classrooms via zoom.

Q – How will you support my child’s emotional well-being?
A – In addition to that mentioned above, all staff will be available to provide support. Our SENDCo and teachers will work to ensure that children’s needs are met.

There will be plenty of opportunities for children to discuss their feelings, play, rebuild friendships and talk to adults when they may feel overwhelmed.

Q – Will the school office be open?
A – Parents and children will only be allowed into the foyer if it is absolutely necessary, wearing a face covering. Where possible, we would ask that parents ring/email the school as opposed to presenting in person.

Q – What will happen if a child in the class shows symptoms?
A – We will follow the Government guidelines set out below.

If anyone becomes unwell with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature in an education or childcare setting, they must be sent home and advised to follow the COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection guidance.

If a child is awaiting collection, they should be moved, if possible, to a room where they can be isolated behind a closed door, depending on the age of the child and with appropriate adult supervision, if required. Ideally, a window should be opened for ventilation. If it is not possible to isolate them, move them to an area which is at least 2 metres away from other people.

If they need to go to the bathroom while waiting to be collected, they should use a separate bathroom if possible. The bathroom should be cleaned and disinfected using standard cleaning products before being used by anyone else.  PPE should be worn by staff caring for the child while they await collection if a distance of 2 metres cannot be maintained (such as for a very young child or a child with complex needs).  In an emergency, call 999 if they are seriously ill or injured or their life is at risk. Do not visit the GP, pharmacy, urgent care centre or a hospital.

If a member of staff has helped someone who was unwell with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature, they do not need to go home (although this will be offered to any member of staff if the case arises) unless they develop symptoms themselves (and in which case, a test is available) or the child subsequently tests positive (see ‘What happens if there is a confirmed case of coronavirus in a setting?’ below). They should wash their hands thoroughly for 20 seconds after any contact with someone who is unwell. Cleaning the affected area with normal household disinfectant after someone with symptoms has left will reduce the risk of passing the infection on to other people. See the COVID-19: cleaning of non-healthcare settings guidance.

Q – How can I speak to the class teacher if we are not allowed into school?
A – You can contact your child’s class teacher by Tapestry (EYFS), Class Dojo or by emailing the office. If you are unable to do this, you can phone the office who will then pass the message on.

Q – Where can I find more guidance?
A – The Government information is provided here on the Gov.uk website