Children and staff self-isolating after Covid-19 case at Kettering school

A 'small' number of children and staff at a Kettering secondary school are self-isolating after they were notified of a coronavirus case.

Public Health England has told Bishop Stopford School in Headlands there has been a confirmed case of Covid-19 "within a family from the school".

Some pupils will now be self-isolating but the school will remain open as usual.

In a letter to parents sent last night (Tuesday), headteacher Jill Silverthorne said: "The small number of children, and staff, who have been in direct prolonged contact with the confirmed case will have received an individual letter and will be staying at home for 14 days.

"The school remains open and your child should continue to attend if they remain well."

The number of pupils and staff who are now self-isolating has not been confirmed.

The school is the latest educational setting to be affected by a case of Covid-19 this month after the summer holidays.

The number of settings known to be affected is now pushing ten. In the borough of Kettering cases have also been confirmed at Tresham College, Montsaye Academy and Grange Primary Academy.

In her letter to parents, Miss Silverthorne added: "I recognise that receiving this letter may be upsetting for you.

"As I mentioned in our newsletter, our students have been excellent in following the necessary requirements at school.

"However, this virus is such that simply sitting in a classroom, next to someone who has tested positive, requires further action to prevent further spread."

Last week Kettering was taken off a Government "areas of concern" watchlist although its rate of cases remains above the national average.

So far 757 Kettering residents have tested positive for the virus. More than 200 people have died at Kettering General Hospital with Covid-19.

Bishop Stopford School has been contacted for further comment.

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