Kettering school sends whole year group home to self-isolate after third Covid case

A whole year group of a Kettering school have been told to self isolate after another positive Covid-19 test was confirmed.

Pupils in Year 8 at Kettering's Bishop Stopford School in Headlands have been told to stay away from school after advice from the Local Health Protection Team.

In a letter to parents sent this afternoon (Tuesday) headteacher Jill Silverthorne sought to reassure parents and stated that the school was working to maintain their 'vigilance'.

The letter said: "As you will be aware from previous letters, there have been two cases of Covid-19 recently at school. For information, these were located in one year group.

"Following another positive test result notified to us today in the same year group, we have sought advice from our Local Health Protection Team (LHPT) and made the difficult decision for all of Year 8 to self-isolate.

"The LHPT’s feedback was very positive, stating that the scenario which has occurred at Bishop Stopford School has already happened in many schools and is entirely predictable.

"That it has happened is not a reflection of poor practice: the level of containment indicates that the systems which we have in place has assured minimum disruption while minimising the risk of the virus spreading.

The school has had five previous positive tests since the beginning of the academic year.

Bishop Stopford School has sent letters to parents on September 15, October 2, 6, and 16 and November 12 and 16 to inform parents of Covid-19 cases.

As of November 1, there were 33 active outbreaks in Northamptonshire schools and colleges according to public health officials.

Miss Silverthorne's letter added: "While I know that any outbreak is a matter of concern, please be assured that we will maintain our vigilance.

"Everyone at school will continue to work together – and with other relevant bodies - to maintain the highest standards for your child/ren’s health and safety.

"Thank you for your continued support at this challenging time."