Anger at Kingspark Parents learned of Covid-19 infection from Tele website

FURIOUS parents have claimed they learned there had been a positive case of Covid-19 at their children’s school on the Tele website.

The news of a confirmed case linked to Kingspark School – which supports children with additional needs – was revealed about lunchtime yesterday after a message on the school app was sent to the paper.

Parents and carers who use the app received an update from head teacher Paul Dow that a “person within the school” had tested positive on Monday after displaying symptoms over the weekend.

Last night, Dundee City Council and NHS Tayside both confirmed that an adult “connected” to the school had tested positive.

However, some parents who do not have the app claim they were unaware until they read the story online.

One dad said: “I am furious parents had to learn about this via the media. Not every parent has the app. I am also disgusted neither Dundee City Council nor NHS Tayside thought fit to contact parents directly to tell them about this.

“There are a lot of very vulnerable children at Kingspark and it is crucial parents be notified about this as soon as possible and not wait to read about it in the media.”

A mum, who also did not want to be named, said: “My child is new to the school and I don’t yet have the parents app. I’m so glad the Tele reported this because I have had no word from the school at all.”

In the message, Mr Dow confirmed he was notified a person within Kingspark had tested positive with Covid-19 and added: “The person had developed symptoms over the weekend and was tested (on Monday). We are following procedures and I’ve been in constant discussion with the health protection team.

“The families and staff who have been identified through contact tracing have been alerted.”

Additional Needs Children Angus & Dundee Forum for Families said the news was worrying, given the vulnerability of many of the pupils.

A spokeswoman said: “We’re concerned there are some very medically fragile children at Kingspark who are not only extremely vulnerable themselves but they may have siblings at other schools in Dundee and throughout Angus. The risk to these children, their families and also to staff is very worrying.”

Dundee City Council and NHS Tayside released a joint statement saying: “A problem assessment group, which will involve colleagues from public health and Dundee City Council, has been convened to investigate the situation and identify any further actions which may need to be taken.”