'Small number' of pupils self-isolate after Covid-19 case at De Aston

The Year 7 pupil who tested positive for the virus was last in school on Monday morning (October 12), and only attended their tutor base before returning home.

Following advice from Public Health England, only a small number of pupils who had been in close proximity to the affected pupil - including those in the same tutor base and those in the same 'bubble' on the child's school bus - were instructed to self-isolate.

Public Health England advised that it was not necessary to extend self-isolation to the rest of the year group, as the affected child had not attended any of their lessons this week.

De Aston head teacher, Simon Porter, wrote in a letter to parents: "The small number of children who have been in close contact with the individual who has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) were taken aside and collected. The parents of those children received a letter informing them that their child must stay at home for 14 days.

"The student who has tested positive is in Year 7 and was last in school Monday morning of this week and only attended tutor base before going home. The guidance from Public Health that we received was to work back 48 hours for contacts, as it was the weekend they take this date from the Saturday morning.

"Therefore, the only pupils the student came into any contact with, in a classroom environment, was the tutor base. Public Health guided that those in close proximity were to isolate but to be safe we extended this to the whole tutor base, with the agreement of Public Health.

"There was no need to extend this to the year group as the student had not gone to any lessons this week. Public Health aided us in that assessment.

"The other consideration was the student’s bubble on the bus. The advice was as long as the bubble was adhered to then only those in that year group on the bus had to self-isolate. That was the case in this instance. The parents of others on that bus in other year groups will be contacted today just for their information. This is to help alleviate any concerns."

Mr Porter added: "Dealing with these situations is now what all headteachers have to do. These are precautionary measures to help keep everyone safe, we follow the guidance and instruction from Public Health England.

"We have been advised by Public Health that the school remains open and, despite the fact that some students are self-isolating, the rest of the school can function as normal."

The head teacher's letter also reassured parents that, for most people, Covid-19 will be a "mild illness"