Classroom virus fears after third outbreak
Education chiefs were this week forced to deny claims of “chaotic scenes” in classrooms at a school where three coronavirus outbreaks have been confirmed.
More pupils at Ayr’s Kyle Academy have been ordered to self- isolate after another student tested positive for Covid- 19.
Dozens of pupils are now believed to be in quarantine.
And this week sources have branded safety standards within the school “a joke”.
One source told the Post : “Chaotic scenes doesn’t cover it.
“Despite the positive cases there’s still a complete lack of social distancing in the classrooms.
“Everyone is sharing the same rooms and equipment.
“It ’ s a totally unsafe environment.
“The school isn’t big enough to have the required distancing measures put in place.
“It just isn’t a safe place for anyone right now.”
Pupils have been put into selfisolation following the string of positive cases.
But one, who asked not to be named, said: “I know for a fact I was in contact with people who tested positive.
“But I wasn’t told to self- isolate. “It’s like the head teacher was just picking and choosing any old folk off a list.”
It comes after Covid outbreaks were also confirmed at Holmston and Coylton Primary as well as Belmont, Ayr, Prestwick and Queen Margaret Academies ( see page 9).
All of the cases at the seven South Ayrshire Council schools have been confirmed just days after the children returned from the October holidays and Holmston has a full class in isolation.
A council spokesperson denied the allegations at Kyle, claiming: “They are extremely unhelpful at a time when Head Teachers and staff are doing a fantastic job keeping our schools running.”
Meanwhile, South Ayrshire education chief, Douglas Hutchison ( pictured right), has used a letter to parents to criticise the local press and its reporting of coronavirus cases.
In it, he claims information is being “distorted or exaggerated”.
Mr Hutchison was asked by this paper to provide such examples. He did not.
But in a statement, a council spokesperson said: “We are living through an unprecedented public health crisis and it is important that we come together as a community to support our young people through this pandemic.
“Bearing this in mind, sensationalising positive cases in our schools only serves to heighten anxiety and undermine the tremendous efforts of parents, staff and pupils to ensure the continued, safe education of our young people.”
Former council leader, Hugh Hunter, said: “I very much welcome Douglas Hutchison writing to parents. It is long overdue. Parents are entitled to know the steps the council are taking to protect children and young people.
“It is unfortunate that this letter contained a line questioning the integrity of the local press.
“At this time the council should be working with the local press to ensure we receive information timeously.”
Despite the positive cases there’s still a complete lack of social distancing in the classrooms