509 STAFF IN CITY More than 1,300 Covid cases at schools this term
794 PUPILS AND HAVE BEEN INFECTED
MORE than 1,300 coronavirus cases have been reported in Leicester schools so far this term, it has been revealed.
Education bosses say almost all of the city’s 128 schools and colleges have had one or more Covid19 cases since the government ordered classes should reopen for all pupils.
Latest figures show 794 pupils and 509 teachers and other staff members have been infected. That is 1.4 per cent of Leicester’s 57,000 school-age children.
One in 20 members of school staff in the city have tested positive for coronavirus.
In all, there are 5,693 city pupils not attending school at the moment because of self-isolation rules and have had remote learning provided for them. The city council says that is nearly 1,000 fewer than this time last month.
While there have been calls for schools to be closed to try to halt the second wave of the virus, the government has said it is a priority to keep them open.
Martin Samuels, the city council’s strategic director of social care and education, said: “I cannot praise highly enough the commitment and hard work of school staff across the city during this incredibly difficult and completely unprecedented situation.
“We realise what a vital role school attendance plays in the welfare of children and young people, and parents should feel reassured all schools are dedicated to ensuring that can continue wherever possible.
“Some schools have had to close for short periods where there are significant numbers of staff or pupils absent, but it is vital to know these are almost always due to individual infections brought in from outside, rather than outbreaks at the schools themselves.
“The stringent measures that are in place are very effective at ensuring that any positive cases are contained and the virus cannot get a hold in the wider school community.”
Soar Valley College is among the many schools affected. Principal Julie Robinson said: “This term, teachers are not only teaching lessons in school, but also ensuring those who may have to self-isolate for a period of time at home do not miss out, with a mixture of live lessons and work set online.
“We have also been working hard to make sure that, despite the restrictions in place, a spirit of togetherness and mutual support continues to permeate all we do.
“The House system has been highly effective as a vehicle for students working together, for example, planning and taking part in activities to support local and national charities.
“This is just one indication of the tremendously positive approach which students continue to show constantly in school.”
Leicester’s assistant mayor responsible for education, Councillor Elly Cutkelvin, said: “We’ve worked closely with schools to ensure they can continue to provide safe, engaging surroundings for both pupils and staff.
“The efforts schools have made to ensure children and staff face as little disruption as possible has been outstanding, through making schools as Covid-safe as possible, and by putting remote learning options in place to ensure any pupils who do have to self-isolate do not miss out on their education.
“We should be very proud of the dedication our staff are showing in the face of such difficult circumstances to ensure pupils’ education and the safety of their school communities is their top priority.”