Another Sheffield school confirms Covid-19 case as staff forced to work from home

A letter sent on Monday informed parents and carers of children at Sheffield Springs Academy, Arbouthorne, of a positive coronavirus case in the ‘school community’.

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Some members of staff who have been in close contact with the person affected are working from home for two weeks.

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Headteacher Mark Shipman said: “As we begin the first full week of term, I am writing to thank all parents and students for the way that everyone is following the guidance on social distancing and ensuring that we are all able to make the most of the school day within the constraints of what we are able safely to do.

“Covid-19 is still widespread across the country and, as and when individual cases do occur within the school community, we will not hesitate to take the advice of Public Health England and adopt any additional steps they ask us to take.

“At present, we have one member of the school community who has tested positive for Covid-19 and is therefore isolating at home. Having taken the advice of Public Health England, a small number of staff who have been in close contact with this person will be working from home for the next 14 days as a precaution.

“At present we believe that this is an isolated case and there is no evidence that it was caught in the school.”

Confirmed cases have been announced at a number of schools in Sheffield, including King Ecgbert in Dore; Abbeyfield Primary School in Pitsmoor; King Edward VII School in Broomhill; Birkdale School’s Sixth Form; Chaucer School in Parson Cross and Hillsborough Primary School in Hillsborough.

Children at Bramley Sunnyside Junior School, Bramley, Rotherham, were sent home to self-isolate for two weeks after a dinner lady tested positive but they have since been allowed back to school after new advice from Public Health England.

There has also been cases confirmed in Barnsley at Athersley South Primary School, Barugh Green Primary School, Wellgate Primary School and St Michaels and All Angels Primary School.

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