Positive virus tests lead to Year Group self-isolating

FOUR pupils at Hollingworth Academy have tested positive for Covid-19, and as a result, one year group will be asked to self-isolate for 14 days.

A year seven pupil and three pupils in year 11 tested positive.

All year 11 pupils will be asked to self-isolate whereas some pupils identified as ‘close contacts’ in year seven have been asked to self-isolate.

The rest of the school will attend normally.

A statement from headteacher Darren Randle said: “We are currently working with the schools’ Covid Team at Rochdale Council and have completed an internal track and trace to reduce the risk of infection. We have put clear systems in place around the building and as such, we are able to identify close contacts. A close contact is defined as someone who has been within two metres of the confirmed case for more than 15 minutes; or within one metre for one minute; or has had a face-to-face conversation within one metre.

“Our track and trace procedures have involved examining seating plans, checking proximity for every lesson and identifying potential contacts before and after school, and at break and lunchtime.

“My prime concern is the safety of our pupils, our staff and all of our families. To that end I have taken the decision to ask all of Year 11 pupils to self-isolate for 14 days to hopefully put a break on community transmission of the virus.

“As far as we can tell, all three pupils are ‘not contacts’ with each other in school.

“In the meantime we will provide Year 11 pupils with home learning work which reflects the lessons they are missing. We will also be starting to broadcast live lessons to pupils so that we can teach key content; assess understanding and provide feedback for our pupils.

“We have ensured we rapidly ‘close the loop’ of transmission of the virus to pupils in Year 7 by asking pupils who are defined as close contacts to also self-isolate.

“Again, we will be providing learning for pupils to complete at home. Pupils who have not been identified as a contact in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 do not need to self-isolate and “should attend school as normal.

“This is a very challenging time and, as I have said previously, my prime concern is the health and safety of our pupils, their parents and carers, our staff and their families, whilst giving our pupils the learning and development opportunities. I will ensure you remain updated of any further developments should they arise in the future.”