Digital Devices   
Access to laptops has been an issue for most families throughout the pandemic.  I appreciate that this has created difficulties for home learning to take place.  

For us to understand the availability and access of devices across our academies, I would appreciate if parents/carers could complete a short survey by clicking here to assist us with our future planning.   
The Trust are exploring implementing a 1:1 device programme within our academies.  This would allow parents/carers to purchase a device for your child and pay for it over 30 months usually at a cost of £12.00 per month.  Arrangements will be put in place for families who are in receipt of free school meals.  A question has been included within the survey to gauge interest from parents/carers in this scheme.   
We want to ensure that, in the event of another local/national lockdown, each child’s education can continue whilst also enhancing access to technology to take advantage of this when learning.

Coronavirus Advice – We have lots of parents asking for advice when their child is unwell so please find below the advice from the NHS.

If you have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) get a test as soon as possible.  Stay at home until you get the result.

Main symptoms – The main symptoms of coronavirus are: -

• A high temperature – this means that you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
• A new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
• A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means that you’ve noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal.

Most people with coronavirus have at least one of these symptoms.

What to do if you have symptoms – If you have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus:-

1. Get a test to check if you have coronavirus as soon as possible
2. Stay at home and do not have visitors until you get your test result – only leave your home to have a test.

Anyone you live with, and anyone in your support bubble, must also stay at home until you get your result.

Get a test to check if you have coronavirus (link: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-and-tracing/get-a-test-to-check-if-you-have-coronavirus/)

Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:

• You’re worried about your symptoms
• You’re not sure what to do.

Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service (Link: https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19/)

Call 111 if you cannot get help online.  Do not go to places like a GP surgery, hospital or pharmacy.

Babies and children – Call 111 if you’re worried about a baby or child under 5.

If your child seems very unwell, is getting worse or you think there’s something seriously wrong, call 999.

Do not delay getting help if you’re worried.  Trust your instincts.