Education Service 4th Floor, Kilncraigs, Alloa, FK10 1EB
Direct contact:
Lorraine Sanda
Email:
education@clacks.gov.uk
Date:
18th December 2020
Dear Parents/Carers As we approach the end of term, I am writing to inform you of the arrangements that are being put in place to support any contact tracing that may be necessary during the Christmas holidays. Clackmannanshire Council Education Service staff will be working to support any contract tracing needed over the holidays which will be undertaken by NHS Forth Valley Public Health. If your child is identified as a close contact of a positive Covid-19 case in their school/ELC during the last week of term (21-23 December), it is most likely you will be informed once the holidays have begun. You will be contacted by NHS Test and Protect following their normal protocols, which is usually through a text. This will outline the need to self-isolate and give you a date for the final day of isolation. If your child tests positive for Covid-19 during the holiday period, please inform NHS Test and Protect of the name of their school/ELC, their class and last day in school/ELC so that their close contacts within school/ELC can be traced. I am also asking for your support in helping to make sure your children and young people remain Covid vigilant for these last few days before the Christmas break. We want to do everything we can to minimize as much as possible staff, children or families having to self isolate over the holiday period. We all have a part to play in preventing this. I have asked our schools/ELCs to ensure that children remain in the same bubbles until the end of term and to reinforce the social distancing and hygiene rules at all times. They will be encouraging everyone to be extra careful with hand washing and sanitising if Christmas cards and gifts are being exchanged. This week, the First Minister asked everyone in Scotland to ‘cut down on unnecessary contacts’ now if they plan to meet up with, possibly vulnerable, relatives at Christmas. For senior pupils, in particular, they may wish to consider the risks of meeting up with friends out with school and not do it unless absolutely necessary. The Scottish Government has published guidance on staying safe over Christmas https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-festive-period/ and the NHS “Winter Zone” www.nhsforthvalley.com/winter has details of local health services available over the festive period, including local pharmacy opening times and minor injuries services, as well as links to other winter information and advice.
I appreciate all of your help to ensure anyone who has been in close contact with a positive case during those last few days of term can be identified and in supporting your child or young person to understand and abide by the rules. They are doing their bit to keep everyone safe and it is important that no one becomes complacent and risks spreading the virus. My very best wishes for a safe and peaceful festive season. Yours sincerely
Lorraine Sanda Chief Education Officer/Strategic Director (People)