Director's Message - 17th September 2020

Dear Colleagues,

The DfE has updated their guidance on how schools should notify confirmed Covid-19 cases. Our FAQs have been updated accordingly.

Schools should now contact the DfE Helpline on 0800 046 8687 and select option 1 for advice on the action to take in response to a positive case. 

Schools should contact the following 3 teams in this order:

• DfE Helpline on 0800 046 8687 and select option 1 for advice on school actions
• LBH Public Health Team (01895 250095) to report locally
• School Improvement Service (education@hillingdon.gov.uk) to notify the RSC / LA

The DfE will triage and transfer cases to the Local Health Protection Team (London Coronavirus Regional Cell - LCRC) who will provide schools with specific actions on a case by case basis. Depending on the medical assessment, the outcomes and schools actions could be different for all schools. Comparing cases between schools should be avoided.   

The DfE has confirmed that schools do not need to report suspected cases. Test and trace advice should be followed with suspected cases and this is provided to the person applying for the test. 

• All pupils (Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and above) - schools to make contact if they have 1 or more confirmed cases.

Please continue to email the Education Team via education@hilingdon.gov.uk for any support. 

Regards,

Dan