Staff member at Chesterfield school with Covid-19 returned to work during isolation period

Brookfield Community School headteacher Keith Hirst confirmed the member of staff was on campus “for most of the day” on Monday – but did not come into contact with pupils.

He described the incident as “an isolated and unfortunate case of human error”.

It comes amid “several” positive coronavirus cases among staff members, who developed symptoms during half term. Mr Hirst would not confirm the exact number of infections but said it could be counted “on one hand”.

Those infected are self-isolating and include some of the school’s 10-person leadership team.

Mr Hirst said: “The staff member was not in prolonged close contact with anyone during the time they were in school.

"When this came to light the member of staff was immediately sent home. A review has been carried out as a result of the incident and we are confident our procedures are sensible, safe and robust.”

The school for pupils aged 11 to 18 has been in contact with Public Health England and the Department for Education and does not need to close after following advice “to the letter”, Mr Hirst said.

He added: “The claim that all of the leadership team have tested positive for COVID-19 is highly inaccurate.

"I can confirm some members of the senior leadership team are currently self-isolating and working from home. However, there remains a strong leadership presence in school and the school is fully operational.”

The school has seen “very, very few cases” since the start of the academic year, Mr Hirst added.

He said: “This is the frustration. From last half term we had one positive case.

“I’m not sure there’s a school in Derbyshire with such a low number."

Face coverings for all staff and students have been made mandatory between classrooms and in social areas to help stop the spread of coronavirus. Other safety measures are also in place, including hand sanitising stations outside every classroom.

Mr Hirst added: “Staff are isolating, they have their notification about how long they need to stay off. When they are ready to return to school we have a process where they notify us.

"It’s under constant monitoring.”

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