School delays June 1 reopening after staff member tests positive for coronavirus

A school has been forced to scrap plans to reopen on Monday after a member of staff tested positive for Covid-19.

The head teacher at Cavendish Close Infant School told Derbyshire Live that plans to reopen had been scuppered.

It comes with schools across England set to welcome back Year 1 and Year 6 pupils from June 1, with social distancing measures in place.

The worker was at the school all day on Friday, May 22, with no symptoms but became unwell the following day.

Acting head teacher Chrissy Diffin said a positive test result was confirmed on Tuesday, May 26.

"All staff and children who were in school on Friday, May 22 have been advised by PHE to self-isolate for 14 days.

"Other household members of staff and children who were in school on Friday, May 22 do not need to self-isolate unless the staff member or child they live with subsequently develops symptoms.

"As key members of the school's senior leadership team and site team are also self-isolating until Friday, June, we will not be able to safely open school during the week beginning June 1.

"This decision has been taken in partnership with the city council."

Deep cleaning is planned at the 253-pupil school on Monday, June 8 and Mrs Diffin said the school is working towards Wednesday, June 10 as the date it can safely reopen school to some children.

It also has a nursery department and was completely rebuilt in 2019.

Mrs Diffin said: "We will keep our parents and carers informed about the planned return date. We all wish the staff member a speedy recovery.

"This is a worrying time and anyone in our school community who develops coronavirus symptoms should access a test.

"We must all be alert to the symptoms and respond promptly. We will continue to provide remote learning for children and support via phone calls and email contact.

"We are extremely grateful to our parents and carers for their support and understanding. The safety of our school community is paramount."

The city council confirmed that he authority had been notified about the situation and Jo Ward, council head of service, standards and performance, said: "The head teacher contacted us as soon as she was made aware of the member of staff’s illness.

"She has also consulted public health and has acted on the advice provided with an emphasis on the safety of children, staff and their families."

The Government has said that it would like to see the return of reception, year one and year six pupils from Monday, June 1.

Children of key worker staff and vulnerable pupils have been able to access classes throughout the schools' closure which began on March 23.

But many schools are finding it difficult to admit additional children next week using social distancing rules.