Another Northampton secondary school confirms two cases of Covid-19

Another secondary school in Northampton has confirmed two cases of Covid-19.

This week, a student in Year 7 and one in Year 11 have tested positive for the virus at Abbeyfield School in Mere Way.

The school, which is run by the Creative Education Trust, has asked students who came into 'close contact' with those who tested positive to self-isolate at home for 14 days.

No staff members were required to self-isolate.

A spokeswoman for the Creative Education Trust, said: "We can confirm that during this week we have two confirmed cases of Covid 19 among our student body. The students were in different year groups.

"We were advised by Public Health England on the steps we needed to take as a school.

"Due to the organisation of the school site and the robust measures in place, we were quickly able to identify those students who had close contact with the students who tested positive.

"This was done by applying the definition of ‘close contact’ as directed by Public Health England. As a school we are required to follow the guidance provided.

"This has resulted in a group of Year 7 and Year 11 students having to self-isolate for 14 days.

"Due to adherence to these measures the number of students affected was contained and no staff have needed to self-isolate."

As those students who were in 'close contact' with the pupils who tested positive are now at home, the school is able to remain open to the rest of the pupils.

The spokeswoman added: "Health and Safety in school is robust and is our highest priority.

"We have put in place best practice risk assessment processes in line with government guidance and the Health and Safety Executive.

"All parents have received a letter reiterating Public Health guidance and to inform them of the current situation thus providing advice and support.

"Details of our remote learning provision have been shared with families of those students self-isolating to ensure that there is a continuity of their education.

"Students without access to devices have been provided with a laptop on loan.

"The welfare and education of students self-isolating is a priority and careful forward planning is ensuring that we can provide a quality provision for them.

"Our students and staff are amazing and have adjusted brilliantly to the health and safety systems we have implemented.

"We would like to reassure our community that the school remains open to our students.

"We will continue to keep parents, students and staff updated and encourage anyone with any questions or concerns to contact the school directly so we can provide the necessary clarification and support."

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