20th March 2020

Covid-19 Update Friday 20th March

Dear Parents,
As indicated by the Minister of Education, Dungannon Nursery School is closed until further notice.

However, in order to support and enhance the effectiveness of the country’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic schools are required to open from Monday 23rd March or thereafter to provide assistance to Key Workers only.

If workers think they fall within the Key Workers categories listed below they should confirm with their employer that, based on their business continuity arrangements, their specific role is necessary for the continuation of this essential public service.

Dungannon Nusery School is committed to faciliating families considered to play a vital role in the response to Covid-19. We would ask you to pay attention to the information outlined regarding your eligibility AND before deciding to send your child to school.

Please note your child is only eligible to be sent to school if -

At least one parent is a KEY WORKER ON SHIFT during school opening times and no one else is available to look after your child.

Social distancing, good hygiene and hand washing are VITAL to preventing the spread of Covid-19. Your child is significantly safer at home than in any other setting.

If you are an identified Key Worker (see list below) please consider the following points before sending your child to school:

1. Only children with a parent/parents working as a key worker/s on shift during school hours should consider attending school.
2. If possible, alternative childcare arrangements should be sought before deciding to send your child to school. Use school as a last resort in order to limit the number of children and adults congregating together; social distancing cannot be guaranteed in a school setting.
3. Schools are being asked to provide Child Care NB teachers WILL NOT be delivering normal teaching and learning experiences.
4. Opening times will be 8.45am to 1pm daily, school dinner will be provided as normal.

Remember DO NOT send your child to school if:
• He / she is unwell
• Any member of your family is unwell
• Any member of your family is in the ‘vulnerable’ category

Making a Request

If you are eligible to make a request for your child to attend school as you are a Key Worker/s working during the hours 8.45am to 1pm it is the parent’s responsibility to make this request.

If you require the services of the school, please email me in strictest confidence with the following information by 4.00pm on Sunday 22nd March.

1. Your child’s name.
2. Which Key Worker category you/your partner falls in to (please provide evidence).
3. Which day(s) your child will be in school between Monday 23rd and Friday 27th March.
4. Your Priority Contact Telephone Number.

Do not make contact if you are not eligible for this service.

Email: shudson906@c2kni.net

Following a Risk Assessment I will inform you via email from 6pm onwards on Sunday 22nd March if sufficient staff are available to maintain a safe environment and that your eligibility is confirmed and your child may attend. Please note that decisions to restrict the number of children attending or to close the school at short notice may have to be taken.

Once again I want to thank you for your continued support. I want to reassure you that we will do everything we can to support you and your child during this difficult time. Please look after yourselves and your loved ones.

Best wishes to all of you and your families,
Suzanne Hudson, Principal

Eligible Key Workers List
• Health & Social Care - doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers, home carers
• Education & Childcare - nursery and teaching staff, social workers, specialist education professionals who will remain active during the Covid-19 response
• Public Safety and National Security - police, Fire & Rescue Service, prison service, national security roles
• Transport - keeping air, water, road and rail transport modes operating during the Covid-19 response
• Utilities and Communication - staff needed for oil, gas, electricity and water (including sewage) and primary industry supplies, to continue during the Covid-19 response, as well as key staff in telecommunications, post and delivery services and waste disposal
• Food and other necessary goods - food production, processing distribution and sale, as well as those essential to the provision of other key goods (e.g. hygiene, medical etc)
• Other workers essential to delivering key public services
• Key national and local government including those of administrative occupations essential to the effective delivery of the Covid-19 response