Teacher tests positive for Covid-19 at Doncaster school as pupils sent home to self isolate

The member of staff at Scawsby’s Ridgewood School has not been in school since last Friday.

Pupils who were taught be the teacher last Wednesday, Thursday or Friday have now been sent home and told to self isolate for 14 days.

There have been three separate positive cases in Year 12 at the school, with those self-isolating students due to return tomorrow.

In a letter to parents, interim headteacher Jean Pickerill said: “We have had confirmation today that a member of staff has tested positive for Covid-19.

"Following advice from Public Health England, all students who were taught by the member of staff on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday last week have been sent home to self-isolate for 14 days.

"This affects some students in Years 9, 10, 11 and 13 - parents/carers have already been contacted if this affects their child. In addition, other adults in school who were in contact with the member of staff have been sent home to self-isolate.

“All students and staff involved must stay at home and should not go out into the community until their self-isolation period is over. They should return to school on Monday 12 October, as long as they or anyone in their household are not showing symptoms of coronavirus.”

“We realise that this news will be concerning for all involved, however, we have acted swiftly and are continuing to work closely with Public Health England.”

“Students and staff who are self-isolating do not need to go for a Covid-19 test unless they develop symptoms.”

The school’s entire Year 12 bubble has already been self-isolating at home following the confirmation of the first case two weeks ago.

Students in Year 12 are due to return tomorrow.

A number of Doncaster schools have been forced to close or send students home in recent weeks following positive coronavirus cases.

McAuley, Danum Outwood Academy, Hall Cross and Doncaster UTC as well as Doncaster Deaf Trust are among some of the schools and colleges which have been hit.