School closed after positive COVID test

A Sunderland junior school has closed for a deep clean after a member of staff tested positive for COVID-19 after showing symptoms.

Parents of pupils at Barnes Junior School, in Mount Road, say they received an ‘urgent text’ message on Wednesday, asking them to pick up their children immediately.

The sudden closure was made after a member of staff at the school began displaying symptoms and tested positive for COVID-19.

A deep clean is now being carried out at the school and it is set to be reopened on Monday.

It comes just over a eek after schools across the country reopened to pupils in Year 1, Year 6 and early learning following a change to Government guidelines.

Councillor Louise Farthing, Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Learning and Skills, said: “The City Council, Together for Children, and Public Health have been informed that Barnes Junior School has temporarily closed.

“The headteacher took this decision on Wednesday, June 10, and notified parents as a member of staff had displayed symptoms and then tested positive for COVID-19.

“The school had remained open to help and support the children of key workers through the lockdown and reopened for year six pupils on Tuesday 2 June.

“A deep clean is under way and the school is in regular contact with staff and parents.”

Barnes Junior School opened to Year 6 pupils on Tuesday, June 2, although the site had remained open for the children of key workers throughout lockdown.