Derbyshire school reassures parents after three Covid-19 cases in just over a week

The school wrote to parents last Monday, October 19, to tell them that a year 11 student had contracted Covid-19 and a ‘small number of pupils who were in close contact’ with that child had been told to self-isolate.

Similar messages had been sent on October 13 and October 11 about students in years 13 and 10 testing positive, and since last Monday, pupils have been required to wear a face covering in corridors.

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Principal Nick Melson said: “Like many other schools in the area, we have experienced the impact of the virus on our school’s operation.

"Following recent cases of a positive test for a small number of students in the school, we have worked closely with relevant expert bodies to establish that the school is not deemed to be the point of transmission of the virus. We have been advised to instruct a number of close contacts to self-isolate as a result of these cases.

"The significant range of preventative safety measures in place in the school are monitored day-in, day-out to help ensure that the health of our students and our staff is prioritised.

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“We will continue to observe all of our in-school additional preventative measures. These include a rigorous cleaning regime; each year group being kept separate in its own ‘bubble’, including separate eating and social areas; seating plans in each classroom; and use of face coverings, amongst other things.

"We ask parents and carers to assist us by continuing to promote good hand hygiene with their children, both at home and elsewhere, and to encourage social distancing at all times.

"It is vital that, if anyone in their household does display possible COVID-19 symptoms, they follow government guidance and that their children do not attend school unless the all-clear is given via testing. Our staff follow absolutely the same government guidance.

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“We remain very proud of our students for their positive engagement with the new ways of working in the school and their responsible behaviours in relation to keeping everyone safe. We will continue to do everything in our power to keep them safe and well, and to help them make good progress in their learning.”