Devon County Council has issued an update on COVID-19. This is the content of their most recent communication:

As you may have seen in the news, cases of COVID-19 are rising again.  Here in Devon we still have lower rates than many parts of the country, but it is expected that Devon’s rates will continue to rise as we all start to socialise more.  This is starting to be reflected in the rise in positive cases among school age children in the county. 

We want to thank parents and carers for all you are doing to help keep school communities safe – and ask everyone to keep going with the ‘hands, face, space and fresh air’ measures when you and your family are out and about, as well as at school:

·       Wash hands frequently

·       Use face coverings where required, including school transport, public transport, and indoor public spaces

·       Make space – keep your social distance

·       Choose to meet outside in the fresh air where possible

Regular testing also helps to stop the spread of the virus – here’s a reminder of what tests are available and when to use them:

LFD tests (Lateral Flow Device)

LFD tests can identify people with lots of the virus and who are very infectious.  1 in 3 people with COVID-19 have no symptoms and could be spreading the virus to other people without knowing.  These tests are for people who do not have any symptoms of coronavirus.  They provide quick results within half an hour, so that you can get on with your day if you test negative, remembering to keep following public health guidance.  If you test positive, you’ll need to arrange a follow-up PCR test (see below).  LFD tests are available for all adults and secondary aged pupils to test twice weekly.   You can pick them up for free from your local pharmacy, and they are available to order online for home delivery.  Assistance with the test is available at any of our Community Testing sites.  You can find details about where our sites are across Devon on our website, devon.cc/flow.

PCR tests (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

PCR tests are more sensitive and used to confirm if someone has COVID-19.  The result takes longer as it is processed in a lab.  PCR tests are for people with COVID-19 symptoms – high temperature, new and continuous cough, change to usual sense of taste or smell – or for follow up after a positive LFD result.  Close contacts of a positive COVID-19 case can also get a PCR test.

Please remember to report test results on the national website as well as to the school, this helps us monitor cases and support quick and appropriate action to keep schools operating as normal.

You can keep up to date with the latest coronavirus news from Devon County Council.

Download their advice to parents and carers here:

Schools advice to parents and carers – JUNE 2021 final

We hope these additional resources will be of use.

‘Speech and Language Link’ Parent Portal

‘Speech and Language Link’ have put together some games and activities for parents/carers to use at home to encourage their child’s talking and listening. The speech activities develop a child’s ability to hear speech sounds and the language activities focus on supporting understanding of language. For more information please visit: https://speechandlanguage.info/parents/activities

Local resources and information

Don’t forget to also keep an eye on our local websites for further examples of activities and information about resources and support available in Devon including from Children, Family Health Devon and Babcock LDP:

Devon Local Offer- speech, language and communication

CFHD resources and information for parents/carers

CFHD preschool speech and language FB page

CFHD school age speech and language FB page

Babcock LDP resources for parents/carers/pupils

As we approach half-term many more families are finding it difficult to make ends meet. Are you aware of the Local Support Fund, run by CHAT and Navigate charity on behalf of Mid Devon District Council, that can help people in financial hardship?