All Headteachers
 
18th June 2009
Terry Parkin
Deputy Director of Children's
Services – Education
London Borough of Southwark 
PO Box 64529 
London SE1 5LX
 
www.southwark.gov.uk
 
Tel.: (020) 7525 5918
Fax.: (020) 7525 3987
 

Dear colleague
 
It will be announced later today that H1N1 (swine flu) has been confirmed today in four Southwark maintained schools, two in Dulwich, one in Nunhead and one in Rotherhithe. Although very few cases have been confirmed - six in total - significant absence levels are being reported suggesting a much higher incidence.
 
It is the view of the Health Protection Agency that we have reached the point where the virus is spread widely through our community and that closing schools at this point will do little to halt the spread of infection. Accordingly, schools will not be directed to close. Both the Council and NHS Southwark believe this to be the right course of action and support the HPA decision. We will ensure you receive their updated advice as soon as it is available.
 
An emergency centre for the distribution of anti-viral drugs is being established at Dulwich hospital. Drugs will be made available only to those diagnosed, those who have been in close contact with confirmed cases, family members at risk and other vulnerable people.
 
At this rate of spread it is likely we will see it in further schools in the coming days.
 
The advice from the HPA remains consistent: those with symptoms - resembling those of a cold, but possibly also with diarrhoea and vomiting -
should not attend school but should contact their GP for advice. Clearly, this could have a major impact on the attendance of both pupils and staff, and schools will need to ensure they have updated business continuity plans in place.
 
Governors of maintained schools do not have the authority to close schools outside of agreed holiday and training days unless in extremis. However, if governors believe the school cannot be safely staffed after all alternatives have been exhausted  they have a duty to ensure the safety of their pupils. Business continuity plans should make clear what processes will be undertaken prior to deciding to close (which might include supervision in the hall of pupils, for example). Schools have been provided with an emergency contact number and email should it prove necessary to close for health and safety reasons.
 
It is my hope that although we are clearly experiencing a pandemic, the particular strain of virus seems relatively mild and is responsive to anti-virals
which seem to reduce both the severity and duration of the infection.
 
Please do not hesitate to contact me or Dr Ann-Marie Connolly the Director of Public Health, should you require further guidance or advice.
 
 
Yours sincerely
 
 
 
Terry Parkin
Deputy Director of Children’s Services - Education