FALMOUTH School has released a statement to parents and carers regarding policy on the coronavirus outbreak.

It plans to remain open while Government insists that schools should do so and it is continuing to take advice from the Department for Education and Public Health England.

The letter said: "The Government insists that schools are to remain open and we are working hard to make this possible. Many working parents will want this to be the case whereas for others it will be a cause for concern.

"We would like to thank our staff for their hard work and flexibility in this crisis. Some of our staff are absent from work and we wish them well. Our planning includes a range of options which include closure and partial closure, as well as many other steps which will keep the school open but will affect the normal delivery of lessons for your children."

"We will continue to keep you up to date but please note you will only hear about any closure of the school directly from the headteacher and nobody else."

It adds that any child or adult with a fever or new, persistent cough should self-isolate at home for a period of a 14 days and that this should apply to everyone in that household. This applies to Falmouth School staff as well as any other member of our school community.

The letter continues: "This all needs to be considered in the schools’ contingency planning and decision making. This will obviously affect children, parents and staff and could impact on the day-to-day running of the school.

"Please be reassured that Falmouth School will remain open as long as it is safe and possible to do so."

It urges parents and carers to use the school email (enquiries@falmouthschool.net) or phone number (01326 372386) to communicate, rather than coming into school unless you absolutely need to.

Updates will also be shared via email, our website and facebook page but please be reminded that for all communication about coronavirus and attendance, this should be communicated through the office rather than on facebook.

The school statements adds that it will continue to use the website, email, text and facebook page in the event of school closure.

In summary:

• The school is open until and unless the Government directs otherwise

• We may have to consider partial or full school closure in the meantime if staff are ill

• Staff are preparing learning resources

• Priority will be given to Years 11 and 13 and vulnerable groups

• International trips are off and all other trips in March and April will be risk assessed case by case

• Please wash hands, stay safe and check for updates on a daily basis