This weekend, a member of our school community lost a loved one to coronavirus. The family are yet to have the cause of death confirmed due to the timescales of the testing regime, however, the consultant said that he was "99% sure". This individual had under-lying health conditions that rendered him especially vulnerable to Covid 19.

At this time, we ask for the family's privacy to be respected.

I'm informing the wider community of the death to underline the seriousness of the current crisis. As I write, there are now 21 confirmed cases in Tameside (those tested) with the actual figure thought to be much higher.

This terrible news underlines and reinforces the messages regarding social distancing and the need for extra hygiene.

I also quote here the latest message from the Education Secretary released this afternoon.

"You should only send your child to school on Monday if you have to, because your work is critical to our COVID-19 response. If you are able to keep your child at home, you should. #StayHomeSaveLives

Please be aware - Schools are a key factor in the spread of the virus. This is why the Government have closed them. I will do everything possible to keep those children who come tomorrow safe, however, children do not always follow safety guidance as rigorously as adults. If they don't need to come, please don't send them.