The headteacher of Honiton Primary School has written to parents to detail measures being taken to 'elevate' efforts to protect pupils from the coronavirus outbreak.

In a letter to parents on Friday (13 March), Christopher Tribble states he is communicating the school's current position and actions to quash potential rumours.

He says: "As perhaps you are all aware, we awaited an update from Government yesterday [Thurs, 12 March] with baited breath, primarily for guidance.

"This was not perhaps as clear as many had hoped.

"In light of this, it was felt that, we the school, must make our own decision in how best to elevate our efforts in keeping our community safe.

"Rumours are a terrible thing at the best of times and damaging at the worst of times so better to hear it communicated from me – straight."

Mr Tribble explains how the school is taking 'extra steps' to be proactive rather than reactive to Government advice and while most will be 'subtle' changes, some will be 'clear and evident'.

From this morning (Mon) the morning Wake and Shake session will include an additional hand wash which Mr Tibble says 'should help stop the flow of any potential 'nasties' entering the school'.

More hand washing will take place before break times and at lunchtime and all visitors to the school will be subject to compulsory handwashing on arrival.

"Due to being proactive weeks prior, the school has secured a delivery of wall-mounted hand sanitiser units.

"These you may notice once installed and coming online. Again, do not worry about this, it is a precautionary measure," adds Mr Tribble.

The school does not intend cancelling 'small parent events' planned this week, but will be reverting to a day-to-day calendar from today, rather than a longer term view.

"Parent's evening etc will be decided upon closer to the time as we see how the pandemic expands. This will be in line with government directives.

"If they ordain certain measures from on-high with little notice, we will have to implement those changes."

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Mr Tribble explains that should the Government require schools to close parents will be given as much advance notice 'as is possible' as well as support.

He reiterated hand hygiene had been emphasised to pupils and 'what we can be doing in school to keep ourselves safe and in the best of health'.

Mr Tribble concludes: "I do thank you for any support with the children at this difficult time and the continued support.

"We are planning every day, ways to minimise the impact of this unprecedented problem.

"Keep safe, keep calm and keep washing."