Reported cases of coronavirus force schools to send students home

Three cases have so far been identified at Wickersley School and Sports College since September, while a Year 7 student at Brinsworth Academy and one in Year 8 at Oakwood have tested positive for Covid-19 within the last week. 

Wickersley headteacher Elaine Renavent, said there had been one case each in Years 10, 11 and 13 since pupils returned at the start of the month.

“We have followed advice from the DfE NHS helpline, Public Health England and Rotherham Local Authority in dealing with each case,” added Mrs Renavent.

“Parents have also been fully informed of procedures each time.”

One parent, who did not wish to be named, said they had concerns over full social bubbles in Year 13 not having been “closed” but Mrs Renavent said no parents of Year 13 students had contacted the school expressing concerns.

She said staff were working hard to ensure pupils having to self-isolate at home did not miss out on their education.

Oakwood School confirmed in a letter to parents on Monday that a Year 8 student had tested positive.

“The small number of children who have been in direct prolonged contact with the individual who has tested positive for Covid-19 have been contacted and are staying at home for 14 days,” said the school letter.

“The school remains open.”

Brinsworth Academy confirmed a Year 7 pupil had the virus.

A letter to parents said staff had been informed that the school was not the point of transmission but “a small number of pupils” at the school had been told to stay away for two weeks.

Earlier this month, the Year 2 bubble at Kilnhurst Primary was closed following one pupil’s positive test, while Bramley Sunnyside briefly told children to keep away after a dinnerlady caught the virus.