Year groups told to stay home after South Shields primary and comprehensive schools confirm pupils' positive Covid-19 tests

Harton Primary and Harton Academy have alerted parents and carers to the news that some children should stay away home from class on Friday, September 18.

At the East Avenue primary school, Year 5 has been asked to stay at home, while at Harton Academy, in Lisle Road, a Year 8 student has tested positive.

In a note to families, Harton Primary’s headteacher Karen Ratcliffe said: “Unfortunately we are writing to inform you that we have found out early this morning that there has been a confirmed case of Covid-19 in Year 5.

“In accordance with Public Health guidance, we have taken the decision to request that Year 5 do not attend school today.

"This decision has been made following strict Public Health guidance in order to keep the rest of our school community safe.

"We will be in touch later today about whether Year 5 can return to school on Monday, or whether they need to remain off school for a period of 14 days.

"Please be advised that the affected person does not have a sibling in school and so this will not affect anyone outside of Year 5.

“Please accept our sincere apologies for the late notice.

"Many thanks for your co-operation, and we will be in touch with more information shortly.”

A statement from Harton Academy's head of school David Amos, shared on its Facebook page on Thursday, September 17, said: “This decision has been made following strict Public Health guidance in order to keep the rest of our school community safe.

"Once school reopens in the morning, we will conduct a thorough investigation into this matter, establishing exactly whom our young person has been in close contact with at school.

"We will notify you again tomorrow by midday, indicating whether your child can return to school on Monday, or whether they need to self-isolate for 14 days.

"Please do bear with us, and we will have more information for you by lunchtime tomorrow, when we hope that the majority of Year 8s can return after the weekend.

"All other year groups are not affected. My sincere apologies for the late notice, but we were keen to await Public Health advice.”

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