Monday, 18 May 2009
Latest H1N1 virus update
18th May 2009

Dear Parents

Following the closure of the Nursery Schools at 28/30 Eccleston Street on Friday, I write to give you an update on the current situation regarding the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu).

On Friday afternoon, following advice from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) a preventative course of the antiviral drug Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) was distributed to the nursery staff and all the children in the morning classes in the 28-30 Eccleston Street Nurseries who have been in direct contact with the two cases.

Over the weekend, two further children and three staff, who had been displaying flu like symptons, were tested for the H1N1 virus. All tests have been negative, indicating no further cases. We are continuing to monitor absentees very closely; I would ask you to please call the school should your child be absent indicating the symptons of any illness.

The school has been praised by the HPA for "the excellent cooperation, efficiency, measured and sane judgement and responsibility shown during the investigation of the swine flu cases in the nursery at 28-30". I would like to add my thanks to you for the whole school community's reaction to the postponement of the PTA Quiz Night on Thursday and indeed for the help and support of the 28/30 Nursery parents in ensuring that there is no further transmission of the virus.

I will, of course, continue to update all parents on any developments through the school website and isho. Please do feel free to call me should you wish to discuss any aspect of the action that we have taken.

Yours sincerely


Paul David
Headmaster

Friday, 15 May 2009
Letter to all Parents, Guardians and Staff of 28 & 30 Eccleston Street Nurseries
14th May 2009

Dear Parents, Guardians and Staff

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has informed the School that two pupils attending the morning classes of the 28-30 Eccleston Street Nurseries have tested positive for influenza A, which, although not confirmed at this stage, is very likely to be type H1N1 (also known as 'Swine Flu'). The pupils have a mild illness, are receiving the appropriate medical care, and are recovering well at home.

Following a detailed risk assessment the HPA and the local NHS Primary Care Trusts have advised that, as a precaution, the 28-30 Eccleston Street Nurseries will close temporarily, with immediate effect, for a period of eight days. They will reopen after the half term break on the 1st June.

The HPA has also advised that a preventative course of the antiviral drug Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) should be offered to the nursery staff and all the children in the morning classes in the 28-30 Eccleston Street Nurseries who have been in direct contact with the two cases. Tamiflu is not being offered to the children who attend the afternoon classes in the nursery as they have not been in direct contact with the cases. The decision to suspend afternoon Nursery Sessions, whilst not required by the HPA, has been taken as a precautionary measure.

The rationale for providing the antiviral drug is two-fold: First, it is to protect your child from Swine Flu virus in case they have been exposed to it. Second, it can help to prevent its spread in the wider community.

Arrangements have been made for the local NHS to distribute Tamiflu for the children and staff members of the morning classes in the Hall at 79 Eccleston Square, tomorrow, Friday 15th May 2009, between 12 noon and 3 pm. Parents with children in 28 Morning Nursery school should attend at 12 noon and parents of children in 30 Morning Nursery School at 1.30 pm.

Parents and guardians of the children in the morning classes should arrive at the 79 Eccleston Square and collect the Tamiflu on behalf of their children. Please do not bring your children with you to the School. On arrival at the School, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and then offered Tamiflu for your child. Please weigh your child before attending, to enable the Staff to calculate the correct dose of Tamiflu for your child.

If your child is unwell with flu?like symptoms please do not attend the school to collect Tamiflu. In these circumstances please contact your GP as soon as possible for a telephone assessment, as set out below.

If your child is well:

Your child will be offered treatment with Tamiflu to prevent infection with the Influenza virus. While your child is taking Tamiflu, as long as they are well, they do not need to avoid contact with others and can carry on with normal activities. If your child does become unwell please contact your GP for further advice.

If your child is unwell with flu like symptoms:

It is important that your child stays at home if he/she develops flu-like symptoms (including high temperature, cough, runny nose, sore throat, headache, joint/limb pains, diarrhoea or vomiting). The child needs to be assessed to see whether he/she requires testing and treatment for flu. Your child should not mix with others while he/she has these symptoms. If your child is unwell with these symptoms please contact your GP as soon as possible for a telephone assessment.

If you do not have an NHS GP and wish to register with one please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) in Kensington and Chelsea on 0208 962 4547 or pals@kc-pct.nhs.uk or in Westminster on 0800 587 8818, depending on your area of residence. Please let the PALS service know your connection with the nursery and they will prioritise you. If your child's symptoms worsen, please contact your GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
The School is working closely with the HPA and the local NHS to monitor the situation.

Good basic hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including Swine Flu. This includes:

Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible.
Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.
Washing your hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to your face or to other people.
Cleaning hard surfaces (such as door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
Making sure your children follow this advice.

For more information on Swine Flu call the National Information Line on 0800 1 513 513. Alternatively, visit the Health Protection Agency website at www.hpa.org.uk.

Yours Sincerely,

Paul David
Headmaster

Friday, 15 May 2009
Letter to all Parents, Guardians and Staff at Eaton Square School
14th May 2009

Dear Parents, Guardians and Staff

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has informed the School that two pupils attending the morning sessions at the 28-30 Eccleston Street Nurseries have tested positive for influenza A, which although not confirmed at this stage, is very likely to be type H1N1 (also known as 'Swine Flu'). The pupils have a mild illness, are receiving the appropriate medical care, and are recovering well at home.

Following a detailed risk assessment the HPA and the local NHS Primary Care Trusts have advised that, as a precaution, the 28-30 Eccleston Street Nurseries will close temporarily, with immediate effect, for a period of eight days. They will reopen after the half term break on the 1st June.

The HPA has also advised that a preventative course of the antiviral drug Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) should be offered to all the children and staff in the morning sessions of the 28-30 Eccleston Street Nurseries who have had direct contact with the index cases.

The HPA have advised us that as there is no evidence of transmission of the virus within the school, it is not currently necessary to close other parts of the school, or to offer Tamiflu to other classes, including children in the afternoon classes at the 28-30 Eccleston Street Nurseries and in the Pre-Prep.
The School is working closely with the HPA and the local NHS to monitor the situation. I will contact you again if any further actions need to be taken.
If you or your child develops symptoms of flu-like illness the advice of the Health Protection Agency is to stay at home and contact your GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647. Each case will be assessed and, if necessary, testing and treatment will be provided.

Good basic hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including swine flu. This includes:
Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible.
Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.
Washing your hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to your face or to other people.
Cleaning hard surfaces (such as door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
Making sure your children follow this advice.

For more information on swine flu call the national information line on 0800 1 513 513. Alternatively, visit the Health Protection Agency website at www.hpa.org.uk.

Yours sincerely,


Paul David
Headmaster

Thursday, 14 May 2009
IMPORTANT INFORMATION RE SWINE FLU
Following notification from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) of two probable cases of Swine Flu in 28/30 Morning Nurseries, the 28 and 30 Eccleston Street Nurseries will be closed until after half term. All other sections of the school including all Pre-Prep classes and other Nurseries will continue as normal on the advice of the HPA.

On Friday 15th May The Health Protection Agency and Primary Care Trust (PCT) will be in attendance at 79 Eccleston Square to provide details of precautionary procedures to parents of children in 28/30 Morning Nurseries.

The relevant documentation provided by the HPA is shown on each Nursery channel and on the School Admin channel on the school website in the parent area on isho.

This information includes a timetable for parents of children in 28 and 30 Morning Nursery to meet with HPA and PCT clinicians to discuss treatment and receive Tamiflu if appropriate.

The school is working closely with the HPA and the PCT to keep the situation under review.

Wednesday, 6 May 2009
Quiz Night Art work now online!!
This year's Charity Quiz Night will again include an auction of children's artwork throughout the school.. This year the children have been working hard to raise money for The Living Paintings Trust, a charity that provide texturised books and other educational materials for blind and partially sighted children.

Click on the link below to see the catalogue of artwork available this year.

Quiz Night Artwork Catalogue 2009

Tuesday, 5 May 2009
Swine Flu Update
Following the information provided last week regarding swine flu, you will be aware that three schools in London, Alleyn's School in Dulwich, The Dolphin School in Battersea and South Hampstead High School, have all been forced to close as a result of pupils having been confirmed with the H1N1 Flu virus.

I write to reassure you that the school is monitoring any absence due to sickness very closely and liaising with parents with any concerns. There is no known current connection with any confirmed case from any of the stated London schools, or elsewhere, and as such children should continue to attend Eaton Square School with confidence.

I reiterate to you once again, and ask you to discuss the measures shown below with your children, to minimise the risk of viral infection.

? Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the bin after you use it.
? Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
? Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
? If you or your child get sick with flu-like symptoms, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Contact the school immediately.

Until further notice, we have stopped the practice of shaking hands with the children to greet and say farewell at the start and end of the day. We will still be encouraging the children to make good eye contact and to say a clear "good morning" or "good afternoon" rather than simply rushing past the person on the door. Your support in this interim measure will be greatly appreciated.

I continue to pay close attention to the information provided by the Health Protection Agency, the World Health Organisation and the Independent Schools Council. We will continue to monitor their advice and inform you of any further development