It is essential that everyone washes their hands more often, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand washing with soap employs mechanical action that loosens bacteria and viruses from the skin, rinsing them into the drain. Drying hands afterwards makes the skin less hospitable to the virus. Hand sanitiser can be effective if soap is not available or the situation makes using soap less feasible (i.e. when outside) but using hand sanitiser provides none of the virus-destroying friction that rubbing your hands together and rinsing with water provides.
The Department for Education coronavirus helpline is available to answer questions about COVID-19 relating to education and children’s social care. Staff, parents and young people can contact this helpline as follows:
Phone: 0800 046 8687
Opening hours:
8am to 6pm – Monday to Friday
10am to 4pm – Saturday and Sunday
DfE Step by Step Guide
If your child is struggling with understanding Covid 19 and lockdown, one of our favourite illustrators, Axel Scheffler, illustrator of the Gruffalo, has published a free information book explaining the Coronavirus to children. Please click the image below to view:
Talking to your child about Coronavirus
Coronavirus Easy Read
Coronavirus Support Sheets
We are sure many of you will know of the TV show, Get Well Soon with Dr Ranj, on CBeebies. They have launched a new episode to explain Coronavirus and they sing a song about washing hands which you can view here
Information for parents from the government regarding the closure of educational settings can be found here
Government guidance on supporting your children’s education can be viewed here
"Stay Home Protect the NHS Save Lives"