‘SON SENT HOME WITH A SNIFFLE ... BUT HE’S FINE’
PUPIL TO SELF-ISOLATE FOR 14 DAYS
AFIVE-YEAR-OLD boy has been sent home from school over coronavirus fears and told to self-isolate for 14 days after coughing in class, but his parents say he is “right as rain.”
Jay-jaye Elgar, of west Hull, can only go back to class sooner with proof of a negative coronavirus test, but his parents refuse to put him through the “unpleasant” experience, saying it’s clear he does not have the virus.
The Year 1 pupil is thought to be one of thousands of school children across Hull and the East Riding who have been sent home over coronavirus fears. Dozens of parents have told the Mail their children have found themselves unnecessarily off school after being sent home with a “sniffle”.
Jay-jaye’s parents, Claire Musgrave and Jon Elgar say they are not criticising their son’s school, Priory Primary School in west Hull, but are frustrated with the guidelines which mean their son is now missing another two weeks of schooling time, after six months off in lockdown.
“He had a tiny little cough and a runny nose,” said his mum, 43.
“They [the school] rang us up saying he had a persistent cough. He’s not got a persistent cough. He’s got your common cold that kids get, he’s been perfectly well for the past six months, then as soon as he was back to school, he’s poorly. It’s what happens every year.
“They said he had to be picked up straight away, they brought him out to us. All I can think is that he’s been running about, and coughed more because he’s been right as rain at home, running around driving me insane, as they do.”
Jay-jaye was sent home on Tuesday, September 15, and had to isolate until Tuesday, September 22.
Dad Jon Elgar said: “As you can see, he’s fine, jumping around, active. He’s been off school a week now, can’t go back until he gets a test done, but we can’t get a test done anyway, as you can see, he’s fine.
“He should be at school, he’s not coughing at all, he’s jumping around, he’s not got a temperature, we’ve checked everything.”
The couple do not want their son to be tested, when they are sure he does not have coronavirus, so the only option is to keep him at home.
Official guidance says children should only get a test if they have coronavirus symptoms.
Ms Musgrave, a mum of two added: “We did ring up for a test, the nearest one they offered us was Bridlington, I’m not willing to take a child all the way there, especially when I know he hasn’t got it.
“It’s not nice, I’ve heard from people it’s not very pleasant.”
The couple say they are now worried about Jay-jaye falling behind at school. They have tried to home-school him, but he lacks concentration and prefers playing on his trampoline and slide and on the Xbox.
“He’s a bit behind with his language and that already,” Said Ms Musgrave.
“I’m concerned that he needs to be at school, and worried that every time he coughs they will send him home so he will miss more and more.
“He’s just been playing. He’s quite active, he likes the trampoline and swing and his ipad and stories.
“He likes your full attention. So, if he’s on the trampoline, I have to be on the trampoline. If he’s on the swing, I have to be on the swing.
“He’s got no concentration at all at
He’s been off school a week now, can’t go back until he gets a test done
Claire Musgrave
home. I did home-school him but he lacks concentration.
“I don’t want to have a go at the school, it’s what they have to do, its strict guidelines and we understand that.”
Kath Roe, executive head at Priory Primary School said: “Priory, along with all the schools in Hull, is following Public Health England’s guidance and working with the local nursing team and Public Health Hull.
“Our absolute priority is the safety of our children, staff and families.”
A Government spokesperson said: “Testing capacity is the highest it has ever been, but we are seeing a significant demand for tests. It is vital that children and school staff only get a test if they develop coronavirus symptoms.
“If a positive case is confirmed in a school, swift action is being taken to ask those who have been in close contact to self-isolate, and Public Health England’s local health protection teams continue to support and advise schools in this situation.”