11th March 2020
Dear all,
Last night, the ACE management team met with the Parents’ Committee to discuss our approach to COVID-19. We discussed available guidance, risk reduction strategies, and preparedness for different scenarios. Our top priority is to look after our children, staff and community members by following Government advice, and by supporting open and productive communication with you all. These are exceptional times, however we have a strong community within ACE and we’re confident that we can take key measures to minimise the impacts of COVID-19 together.
This communication adds to previous emails from Lisa Tuohy/Sarah Piotrowski where ACE has shown its commitment to additional handwashing and hygiene. The virus is now spreading around the UK so this is likely to be followed by further communication as official guidance evolves.
Immediate actions:
Future steps:
The links page of the ACE website contains up-to-date information on COVID-19 which we have received from Cambridgeshire County Council, together with links to relevant government webpages and other advice on the virus.
The next ACE Parents’ Committee meeting is scheduled for 19 March. Thank you for your continued support.
From Shirlene Badger, Chair, on behalf of the ACE Parents’ Committee, Lisa Tuohy (Headteacher) & Sarah Piotrowski (Day Nursery Manager)
Dear all,
Last night, the ACE management team met with the Parents’ Committee to discuss our approach to COVID-19. We discussed available guidance, risk reduction strategies, and preparedness for different scenarios. Our top priority is to look after our children, staff and community members by following Government advice, and by supporting open and productive communication with you all. These are exceptional times, however we have a strong community within ACE and we’re confident that we can take key measures to minimise the impacts of COVID-19 together.
This communication adds to previous emails from Lisa Tuohy/Sarah Piotrowski where ACE has shown its commitment to additional handwashing and hygiene. The virus is now spreading around the UK so this is likely to be followed by further communication as official guidance evolves.
Immediate actions:
- Please email ACE management with details of any international travel undertaken by any member of your household within the past 14 days, and with all upcoming international travel plans. As the situation is developing rapidly in different geographical settings, it will benefit our response to have an overview of travel.
- Please make sure that you email ACE regarding any international travel the day before your child/ren returns to ACE. All information will be kept confidential.
- If a member of your household has been in contact with a confirmed case, please contact ACE management before your child/ren returns to the setting.
- Non-essential events (run by the Parents’ Committee) are subject to cancellation until further notice. The Spring Fayre scheduled for 21 March is cancelled.
- Some trips outside the setting may still continue following risk assessment by ACE staff (for example, Friday morning gym visits at the Nursery School are continuing for now; however, we will cancel planned visits to residential care homes).
- We would like to remind all parents and carers about the ACE Bursary Fund, which is available to families who find themselves in difficult financial circumstances. This could support families who may face loss of earnings related to COVID-19, and working restrictions. Please get in touch with Lisa Tuohy or Sarah Piotrowski if you wish to learn more.
Future steps:
- We are preparing for the possibility of increased staff absence. In the event of inadequate staff-child ratios, a nursery would have to close (as per our emergency closure policy). We wish to reassure you that, when safe to do so, we aim to keep the Day Nursery and Nursery School open.
- If necessary and feasible, staff would be shared between the Day Nursery and the Nursery School to enable one or other or both to remain open.
- In the event of a closure, we will aim to notify you by 8am on the day by email.
- Transparency is a core ACE value - in the case that a member of the ACE community reports contact with a confirmed case, ACE will take advice from Public Health England regarding any action to be taken and communication to be shared with the ACE community.
The links page of the ACE website contains up-to-date information on COVID-19 which we have received from Cambridgeshire County Council, together with links to relevant government webpages and other advice on the virus.
The next ACE Parents’ Committee meeting is scheduled for 19 March. Thank you for your continued support.
From Shirlene Badger, Chair, on behalf of the ACE Parents’ Committee, Lisa Tuohy (Headteacher) & Sarah Piotrowski (Day Nursery Manager)