7^th September 2009

Dear Parent/Carer

Latest swine flu guidelines

I am writing to update you with the latestinformation on the current swine flu pandemic. It is hoped that the effects ofthe pandemic will be minimal this term. Nevertheless, we have put plans inplace to ensure we are prepared and it is important that all parents/carers areaware of the correct actions to take and where to go for guidance, should theneed arise

As you may be aware, the Government has moved to atreatment phase to manage the current swine flu pandemic. This means that theNHS is now focussing its efforts on treating people who have the virus.

School disruptions/closures

The updated Government guidance on schools is thatthey will not close because of individual cases of swine flu. However, schools mayneed to take the decision to close if local circumstances warrant it, e.g. if asignificant number of staff are ill. Thisdecision would be made as a last resort and only if the school is unable toguarantee the safety of pupils, based on a risk assessment.

If we do experience staffshortages due the pandemic, there could be some disruption to the normal schooltimetable. Temporary arrangements may be required to ensure the school is ableto stay open. We will try to keep any disruption to a minimum and keep youupdated if this situation arises.

It is important that we have the correct contactdetails for all parents and carers, so we can keep you informed of anydisruptions and contact you if your child falls ill during the day. Please canyou check that the contact details we hold for you are correct and advise anychanges

For the latest information on emergency schoolclosures visit http://www3.hants.gov.uk/schoolclosures 

Symptoms

Although I realise you may be concerned about thespread of swine flu, I would like to reassure you that there is no cause foralarm. The most common symptoms of swine flu are fever, sore throat, diarrhoea,headache, feeling generally unwell and a dry cough – in other words, symptomsvery similar to ordinary seasonal flu. Most people recover within a week, evenwithout anti-viral treatment.

Although symptoms have generally proved mild, asmall number of patients will develop more serious illness. Many of thesepeople have other underlying health conditions that put them at increased risk.

The advice from the NHS is that, unless you haveflu-like symptoms, there is no need to stop your normal everyday activities,such as going to work or school.

If your child is ill

If you feel your child is displaying flu likesymptoms, they should stay at home. Contact the National Pandemic Flu Servicefor an assessment. You can either telephone the Service on 0800 1 513 100 oruse the on-line assessment tool at www.pandemicflu.direct.gov.uk. Please inform the school, as pernormal absence reporting procedures, on 01264 772297

Prevention

Although the focus is now on treatment, there arestill steps we can all take to help prevent swine flu from spreading. Pleasefollow good practice hygiene advice from the NHS, which asks that people ‘catchit, bin it, kill it’ when they sneeze or cough. This means you should:

• catch your cough or sneeze in a tissue;
• throw the tissue in the bin quickly;
• wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or waterless hand hygiene products; and
• clean hard surfaces (like door handles and remote controls) frequently with a normal cleaning product.

Latest advice

To read the latest official advice and find outabout the simple steps you can take to help protect yourself and others visit www.nhs.uk or call the Swine Flu Information Lineon 0800 1 513 513.

Further information about swine flu can also befound on the Health Protection Agency website www.hpa.org.ukand in the leaflet ‘Swine flu and schools’ - http://www.hpa.org.uk/servlet/ContentServer?c=HPAweb_C&cid=1247125501005&pagename=HPAwebFilewhich answers some specific questions related to schools.

You can also find some guidelines in the governmentleaflet about swine flu that was distributed to your household. The leaflet isalso available online at: www.direct.gov.uk/en/Swineflu/DG_177831. 

Please keep in touch with the latest news from theschool by visiting our website at  www.kimpton.hants.sch.uk   or call01264 772297

Yours sincerely

Mrs J.A. Glover

Headteacher