Deaf Trust front
Continuation of services:
The school, college and children's home are open and we are focused on providing a service to the children and young people whose parents are 'key workers' or needing additional support due to their vulnerability. The Nursery is closed but we are providing a service for those parents designated as 'key workers'. Our staff teams in each service have carried out risk assessments and identified the children and young people and staff who we need to prioritise. Our staff have been in contact with parents and carers to discuss their individual needs and if you are unsure then please call in and speak to the staff.
Social Distancing:
We have a duty of care to ensure that we observe the rules around social distancing which is to try and keep 2 metres (or 6 feet apart). This is very challenging when dealing with children especially in the Nursery. The children and young people in school, the children's home and college are more understanding of the rules. We have held our daily briefing this morning in the dining room so that the managers could remain 6 feet apart. I must remind all of you as parents/carers, staff and those who are part of our Trust community about the guidance from the government which is:
We are advising those who are at increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19) to be particularly stringent in following social distancing measures. This group includes those who are:
- aged 70 or older (regardless of medical conditions)
- under 70 with an underlying health condition listed below (ie anyone instructed to get a flu jab as an adult each year on medical grounds):
- chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis
- chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
- chronic kidney disease
- chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis
- chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), a learning disability or cerebral palsy
- diabetes
- problems with your spleen – for example, sickle cell disease or if you have had your spleen removed
- a weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy
- being seriously overweight (a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above)
- those who are pregnant
What is social distancing?
Social distancing measures are steps you can take to reduce the social interaction between people. This will help reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).
They are:
- Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough
- Avoid non-essential use of public transport, varying your travel times to avoid rush hour, when possible
- Work from home, where possible. Your employer should support you to do this. Please refer to employer guidance for more information
- Avoid large gatherings, and gatherings in smaller public spaces such as pubs, cinemas, restaurants, theatres, bars, clubs
- Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media
- Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services
Please be patient with us when we ask that you need to consider not sending in a child or young person because of the above. Our first priority is to ensure the health, safety and well-being of everyone. We have a duty to ensure that we do not increase the risks of transmission of the virus especially to those with existing medical conditions.
Self-isolation protocol:
We now have a protocol in place if children and young people develop symptoms in nursery, school, the children's home or college. If a child or young person does develop symptoms we will call parents/carers immediately and then isolate the child or young person with staff support until they can be collected. Please follow the guidance for self-isolation if you or a member of your household does develop the symptoms.
Specialist Employability Service:
Our specialist employability support (SES) team, who work with Deaf people to assist them in gaining employment, are still working remotely to help clients into work.
All the large supermarket chains across the UK are looking for people to work for them during this Covid-19 Pandemic and we can help Deaf people from across the Sheffield City Region to get the support they need.
Alexis Johnson
Executive Principal