The British School of Lomé
H1N1/Swine Flu Information
 
     We are continuing to monitor the situation regarding H1N1 Flu Virus (Swine Flu) carefully and are following the advice and guidance produced by the Department for Children, Schools and Families, the Health Protection Agency and the Independent Schools Council (UK).
     We will use our school website and email to keep parents informed of any significant developments affecting school policy. If appropriate, we will also telephone or write to parents.
     It is our aim to continue all school activities as normal as far as this is possible. Please can we ask you to read the information below and to contact us straightaway if your child becomes ill with the virus or presents with possible symptoms.
It is particularly important that we are able to contact parents quickly and efficiently ‐ please inform us immediately of any change in contact details.
  • In line with the most recent guidance, the school will remain open unless advised to close by the local health protection team or a decision is taken by the Deputy Heads and Governors to temporarily close the school.
  • We will operate a ‘no risk’ policy. This means that any children or staff who present with an unusually high temperature or flu‐like symptoms will be asked to stay at home until they have been symptom‐free for one full day. Parents of students who feel ill in school will be contacted and asked to collect their child. Any child who feels ill will stay in the infirmary until collected.
  • Any child who feels ill and is due to go on a school trip, will be asked to stay at home.
  • If your child is well and does not have any symptoms, they should attend school as normal.

Possible Symptoms of H1N1/Swine Flu
Symptoms: The symptoms of swine flu are broadly the same as those of ordinary flu, but may be more severe and cause more serious complications. The typical symptoms are:
  • Sudden fever, and
  • Sudden cough

    • Other symptoms may include:
  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Chills
  • Aching Muscles
  • Limb or Joint Pain
  • Diarrhoea or stomach upset
  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing, and
  • Loss of Appetite

Slowing the Spread: Good Hygiene
     Practicing good hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses. The guidance states that we should:
  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of virus from your hands to face or to other people
  • Clean hard surfaces (eg door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product
  • Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible
  • Dispose of dirty tissues promptly and carefully
  • Make sure children follow this advice

     We will continue to remind pupils and staff about the importance of good hygiene and will follow this advice in our cleaning practices in school. Notices advising pupils and staff on good hygiene practices will be displayed around school.

Continuation of Teaching
     School life will continue as normal as far as possible. We will use the school email and school website to continue to offer teaching, should that become necessary, and extra¬curricular activities will continue to run. The school is compiling a list of supply teachers who may be available if required.
It may be necessary to temporarily adjust normal working patterns such as duties in order to cover for absent colleagues.

Staff Absence
     It is recognised that staff may fall unwell or have dependents who are ill. In such cases, our policies for staff absence and sickness will be implemented. Any staff member who falls into a vulnerable group or is pregnant is advised to seek medical advice.

Contacting Us
If you have any questions, please contact us via telephone here at school or via email:
School Telephone :(+228) 226 46 06
Headteacher Ms H Brocklesby headteacher@bsl.tg
Deputy Head – Academic Mr Seamus Hennessy deputyhead@bsl.tg
Deputy Head – Pastoral Mr Jean-Luc Aupoix bslboarding@bsl.tg

 Updated @ 25November 2009.
 
IBO IGCSE