Students Sent Home After Coronavirus Case At School

Over 200 students at Welland Park Academy in Market Harborough have been sent home and told to self-isolate for two weeks after a pupil tested positive for coronavirus.

Public Health England informed the school this morning that a student in Year 9 had tested positive.

Principal Julie McBrearty said: “In line with guidance from Public Health England, Department for Education and the LA we have closed the school to this year group or ‘bubble’ of students for 14 days.

“This is to ensure that we do not compromise the safety of any of our students or staff.

“These students are taught as a year group for several subjects and operate within a discrete zone at social time to minimise contact between cohorts of students. The school is cleaned regularly throughout the day and staff exercise social distancing with students.

“The students will commence online learning through Microsoft Teams or another online platform from today to ensure that we do not compromise the learning for these students.

“We would like to pay tribute to the excellent conduct of our students and ongoing support from our parents. We have been able  to execute a prompt switch to online learning and help to ensure the safety of our community. ”

The 208 Year 9 students, aged 13 and 14, won’t be able to return to the classroom until October 26^th, because of the half-term break, with on-line learning starting today.

A teacher at Welland Park tested positive for Covid-19 last week and has been self-isolating, although had had no direct contact with pupils.

Welland Park Academy