SCHOOL FORCED TO CLOSE AFTER CORONAVIRUS CASE CONFIRMED
CHILDREN TOLD TO SELF-ISOLATE
PUPILS at a Grimsby school have been told to self-isolate after a confirmed case of coronavirus was recorded.
Phoenix Park Academy has been forced to close its Park House site until October 5 following the positive test.
In a letter to parents and carers on Tuesday (September 22), executive principal Phil Hutchinson said children who have been in contact with the patient will now be required to attend remote lessons.
The school currently operates across two sites, Phoenix House on Harold Street, and Park House, which is adjacent to Park Avenue. These can cater for up to 42 and 48 students respectively, between the ages of five and 16.
Mr Hutshinson said in his letter: “We’ve been advised by Public
Health England that there has been a confirmed case of Covid-19 within the school, here at Phoenix Park Academy.
“Your child has been identified as being in close contact with the affected person and therefore must self isolate for 14 days until Friday October 2 2020 (14 days after contact). All students are expected to engage in our virtual offer from 9.30am tomorrow morning until we return to school.
“Our whole site will remain closed until Monday, October 5, 2020.” The school specialises in teaching children from across Grimsby with special emotional and behavioural needs.
Earlier on Tuesday, Baysgarth School, in Barton, told pupils it will close after a teacher tested positive
for coronavirus.
It will be closed today (September 23) whilst a deep clean is carried out, and a rota will be introduced for students to return to school until all teachers are back.
This is expected to be in place until Monday, October 5. Students who aren’t in school will be set work remotely through Google Classroom.
Headteacher Richard Briggs said: “Unfortunately, as the confirmed case of Covid-19 is for a member of staff, a significant number of staff are deemed to have been in close contact with them and will have to selfisolate until Monday, October 5. “This leaves us short of enough teachers to be able to operate school normally for the next fortnight. “Therefore, from Thursday this week until we are back to full teaching strength (expected to be from Monday, October 5), we will be running a rota system for students in school.
He added: “We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause to your family, and hope you understand that this situation is out of our control.
“What we can control is the measures to keep our staff and students as safe as possible which is why we are taking the steps outlined above.”