The long awaited return to school has been cut short for thousands of students in England and Wales due to coronavirus outbreaks.
Across the two countries at least 339 schools have shut completely or sent some pupils home after positive coronavirus tests.
The alarming figure has been reached as a head teachers union warns that the number of pupils who have to self-isolate could increase and more schools may have to close as winter approaches.
Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said disruption to pupils’ education could worsen in the months to come.
He said: “While only a small number of schools have had to close because of outbreaks, we are regularly hearing reports of groups of pupils and staff having to self-isolate in response to positive cases.
“The concern is that this disruption will worsen as winter approaches.
It is essential that the Government improves the capacity of the testing system, and ensures that local health protection teams have the resources they need to provide prompt advice to schools.”
Downing Street says 99% of schools in England have reopened this month, with only a “very small” number remaining closed due to coronavirus outbreaks.
The long awaited return to school has been cut short for thousands of students in England and Wales due to coronavirus outbreaks.
Across the two countries at least 339 schools have shut completely or sent some pupils home after positive coronavirus tests.
The alarming figure has been reached as a head teachers union warns that the number of pupils who have to self-isolate could increase and more schools may have to close as winter approaches.
Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said disruption to pupils’ education could worsen in the months to come.
He said: “While only a small number of schools have had to close because of outbreaks, we are regularly hearing reports of groups of pupils and staff having to self-isolate in response to positive cases.
“The concern is that this disruption will worsen as winter approaches.
“It is essential that the Government improves the capacity of the testing system, and ensures that local health protection teams have the resources they need to provide prompt advice to schools.”
A pupil also caught the bug at Accrington Academy – students who were in ‘very close and prolonged proximity’ to the infected pupil were told they needed to quarantine for 14 days at home.
St Christopher’s CE High School confirmed on September 7 that two pupils had the disease, but said it would remain open.
A class at St Anne’s and St Joseph’s school were told to self-isolate for two weeks following a case.
Across the two countries at least 339 schools have shut completely or sent some pupils home after positive coronavirus tests.
The alarming figure has been reached as a head teachers union warns that the number of pupils who have to self-isolate could increase and more schools may have to close as winter approaches.
Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said disruption to pupils’ education could worsen in the months to come.
He said: “While only a small number of schools have had to close because of outbreaks, we are regularly hearing reports of groups of pupils and staff having to self-isolate in response to positive cases.
St Christopher’s CE High School in Accrington (Image: Google)
Mount Carmel RC High School told every Year 7 pupil to remain at home after a pupil in the year group tested positive for Covid-19.
A pupil also caught the bug at Accrington Academy – students who were in ‘very close and prolonged proximity’ to the infected pupil were told they needed to quarantine for 14 days at home.
St Christopher’s CE High School confirmed on September 7 that two pupils had the disease, but said it would remain open.
A class at St Anne’s and St Joseph’s school were told to self-isolate for two weeks following a case.
Aylesford
A Year 6 pupil from Valley Invicta Primary School tested positive and the whole year group were told to self isolate.
Aylsebury
A student at Aylesbury Grammar School has tested positive for Covid-19.
One form group from Year 8 has been told to isolate as a result.
Ashford
There has been a case reported at Echelford Primary School.
Barnoldswick
Coates Lane Primary School confirmed a positive case Covid-19 – a number of individuals who may have been in close contact have been asked to isolate.
Barnsley
St Helen’s Primary Academy confirmed that a teacher tested positive for the virus, meaning all students in that teacher’s class must now self-isolate for two weeks.
On September 6, Athersley South Primary School confirmed that a positive case of the virus had been identified at the school.
Students in Year 8 and 9 only were advised to stay home for two weeks and have been told they can return to school on September 17.
On September 8, Wellgate Primary School confirmed they had one confirmed case of the virus within the school.
On September 7, Barugh Green Primary School closed two of its class bubbles after a child in each was confirmed to have the virus.
On September 10, two departments at Barnsley College were closed after three members of staff tested positive for coronavirus.
