Trafalgar School back to remote learning due to several Covid-19 cases
All pupils will be swapping the classroom for home learning until the end of term
Last updated 15th Jul 2021
The Trafalgar School in Downton is returning to remote learning tomorrow (Friday 16th July) after a number of positive cases of Covid-19.
The school has over 150 students self isolating through test and trace along with 12 members of staff working remotely.
The measure will remain in place for the rest of term with pupils due to break up on Tuesday for the summer holidays.
The Chief Executive of the Magna Learning Partnership, Sarah Busby says it's 'regrettable' that the term is finshing this way but that it's "the safest response given the circumstances."
"The decision to move to remote learning has been taken in the expectation that further cases may be reported in the few days and in order to protect students, staff and families."
Meanwhile headteacher, Jonathan Curtis,has thanked parents for their "continuing support as we work together to keep all of our students and staff protected as much as we can."
Sarah Busby also confirmed that another Salisbury school within the partnership had a large number of students self isolating;
"At Wyvern St Edmund's over 100 students are self isolating but the positive cases appear to be contained within two year groups rather than across the school. Other schools in the Trust have seen some cases over the past few weeks but they are few in number."
She added that changes to the guidance about regulations towards isolation with a suspected case was also causing 'confusion' among the school community.
Under the current rules, an entire class bubble must self isolate if someone within it tests positive.
From Monday (July 19th) only children who test positive, and those identified as close contacts by NHS Test and Trace, will have to do so, although schools finishing after this date may continue with the current measures.
From August 16th under 18s will no longer be required to self-isolate if they are contacted by NHS Test and Trace as a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case.
Instead, children will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace, informed they have been in close contact with a positive case and advised to take a PCR test.
Across Wiltshire more than 4,000 pupils are currently self -isolating.