PARENTS TAKE KIDS OUT OF SCHOOL OVER COVID CASE
NURSERY PUPIL AT WEELSBY ACADEMY HAS TESTED POSITIVE FOR CORONAVIRUS
A NUMBER of parents have decided to take their children out of a Grimsby school following a confirmed coronavirus case in a different bubble group. Parents have learned that a nursery child at Weelsby Academy has tested positive for Covid which has led to some deciding to keep their children at home, even though they have not been in direct contact with the child.
The parents say they could now be fined for taking their children out as it is classed as an unauthorised absence but they say the health and welfare of their children comes first.
The school was informed of the positive case early yesterday morning. They then contacted the parents of the children affected to collect them, but word quickly spread around parents in other year groups.
Some then contacted the school to say they would be picking their children up and they will not be returning until after half term – with some even considering keeping theirs off until after Christmas.
According to one parent, there are at least 50 parents unhappy with the situation.
One parent said: “Once we got the email saying about the Covid-19 case my children’s father rang up and asked to come collect them at around 2pm. “They said if we collected the children it would go down as unauthorised, even though they had been there all day except the last hour.
“I think it’s disgusting that they have tried to put parents off collecting their children when something as serious as Covid is in the school.
“It should be parents’ choice whether we collect our children or not, especially when we have a child with a low immune system and just want their best interests.
“Yes, school may keep them in bubbles but surely the teachers are mixing which is a risk to the children.
“A lot of parents have said they are not sending their children back till at least November and some even said after Christmas, whether they get a fine or not.”
Some parents have also taken their children out because they feel there is a lack of communication between the school and parents.
Another parent said: “My child is in Year 5 and I have taken her out due to lack of confidence in the school regarding Covid-19.
“The school is never available for comment on anything and are very secretive regarding cases or suspected cases and downplay everything and the head teacher is never available to speak to.
“I’ve lost confidence in the school. “My child won’t be going back to school until after half-term at the earliest but I’m thinking of moving her to a new school.”
Another parent who has taken their child out of the Grimsby school has also booked them in for a coronavirus test because of the situation.
They said: “I’ve removed my child due to cross-contamination and the fact the school didn’t notify any parents. It’s the child’s parent who has notified other parents.
“Lots of parents have removed their children, we have a group and we are all so angry.
“They have said that we can be fined but, to be honest, I don’t care. My child’s welfare and safety comes first. “My child will not go back to school until its been deep cleaned and is safe to do so. I have also booked them in for a coronavirus test as a precaution.” A representative for the school ensured that the parents of all children directly affected by the coronavirus case were informed and asked to collect them within a couple of hours of the case being reported.
They have also said they are following the guidelines published by Public Health England and the Department for Education.
A spokesperson for Weelsby Academy said: “A small number of nursery children have been asked to self-isolate after being a close contact of a member of the school community who has tested positive for Covid-19.
“We have also written to all parents so they know the actions taken. School is open for all other children. The health, safety and wellbeing of our staff and children remains our priority and we thank parents for their continued support during unprecedented times.”