Sheffield mum told not to send son to school despite negative Covid test

Misha Stewart, 26, from Southey Green, was called to Oasis Academy Watermead on Monday December 7, to pick up son Isaac after he developed a cough and had to be put into isolation.

She was then advised by the school to keep the six-year-old off until he could have a coronavirus test, something they did later that day at the mobile testing site in Hillsborough.

After receiving a negative result for her son at around midnight on Monday, Misha had hoped he would be able to return to school straight away.

But, after calling on Tuesday to confirm, she was told that Isaac would have to stay off for further 48 hours even though he didn’t have Covid-19.

Misha said: “Isaac had been sneezing and had a bit of a runny nose but the headteacher said he would have to stay off for 48 hours after receiving a negative result.”

After ringing both her GP and the Department for Education for clarification, it was confirmed that Isaac could return to school as he had tested negative for Covid-19.

Misha says she then called Oasis Academy Watermead, who claimed they were following advice given by Sheffield Council.

"I asked them to provide me with the guidance that they were following,” the mum added.

"Once I got off the phone I checked the guidance and it said that if a child has symptoms, following a negative result they should be off school for 48 hours from when their symptoms stop.

"It just doesn’t make sense, if they’ve got a cough or a cold it could last for ages.”

Isaac returned to school on Monday, December 14, after his cold-like symptoms had disappeared – missing four school days in total, including Christmas jumper day which he had been looking forward to.

The advice given to schools by Sheffield Council is that a child can return if they have a negative result and when they have been symptom free for 48 hours – with Covid symptoms defined as a high temperature, new and continuous cough, and a loss or change to taste or smell.

If they are not presenting symptoms then they should return to school as soon as possible but only after obtaining a negative test.

Greg Fell, Director of Public Health at Sheffield Council said: “If a member of staff or pupil is showing symptoms but then goes on to get a negative test, we advise they can return to school as long as they are well and do not have a temperature/fever.

"This is presuming they have not been identified as a contact for anyone else who has tested positive. If they are a contact they need to complete their 10 days isolation even if they receive a negative test.”

Oasis Academy Watermead said: “The health and wellbeing of all our pupils and staff is our top priority and we are following all Government and local health guidelines on what to do if a child shows signs of having coronavirus and if they receive positive/negative test result.

"If parents have any concerns regarding this, they are encouraged to contact the academy directly.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.