Vranch House

Date added: Friday 20th March 2020
Latest updated: Thursday 23rd February 2023

Parents & Carers of pupils at Vranch House

Dear Parents and Carers,

Re: Coronavirus (Covid - 19) - SCHOOL CLOSURES

 You will have heard that many schools across the country are closed from today, Friday 20th of March, until further notice. 

We are supportive of parents of school pupils who wish their children to remain at home rather than to attend school and understand why some parents might make this decision.  Vranch House as a charity dedicated to vulnerable children and young people; it is exempt from the closure order and will remain open.  If you feel that you need advice or help on any clinical or educational matter do not hesitate to contact us. We plan on opening after the Easter Holiday on the first day of the Summer term, which is Tuesday the 14th of April, and the school remains open until the normal term end date of Friday the 27th of March.

Reducing Risk Vranch House has taken the following measures to reduce the risk of infection:

• The areas at Vranch House used by the school and the clinic have been divided and there are now barriers to movement between them.
• Outpatients services have been reduced to catering for only the most acute cases of physical need.
• External users of the hydrotherapy pool have been suspended indefinitely.
• We have instituted an increased program of regular hand-washing, use of alcohol gel and equipment cleaning.
• We have directed any Vranch House staff who display any of the early warning signs of the Coronavirus to self-isolate and not come into work
• We have put contingencies into place should any of our Nurse staff become unable to attend their duties due to this virus

In the event of a suspected case of Coronavirus being reported by a parent or carer, or partner agency working within Vranch House, we will continue to promote the guidelines from Public Health England:

• Self-isolate in their own home to stop the potential spread of infection.
• Call the NHS helpline on 111 to report their concerns and follow the directions of the NHS call operative.

Finally, can I reiterate that, at present, there are no plans by the DfE, Devon County Council or Public Health England to close Vranch House in response to the threat posed by Coronavirus in Devon. Vranch House will not be closing unless otherwise directed to do so by the Public Health Officer for Devon or the DfE.

Thank you for your continued calm and pro-active support in helping us to maintain support and care for our young people and their families.

Yours faithfully

Ian Norton

Head of Education