Pupil and staff member test positive for coronavirus at Seaham High School

The school on Station Road announced on Monday, October 19, that one Year 9 pupil and one support staff member had tested positive for coronavirus and are both self-isolating.

A number of children who have been in contact with the affected pupil are also isolating and will be learning remotely.

The school confirmed that it has closed a tutor group bubble as a ‘precautionary measure’ as the pupil concerned was in school during the infectious period.

Seaham High School said that due to its bubble system the number of students affected is very low but it could not confirm how many students have been asked to isolate.

The school has worked with Public Health England and Durham County Council regarding the action taken.

All parents have been informed and the school remains fully open to all pupils at this time.

A Seaham High School spokeswoman said: "Parents have been informed that one of our Year 9 students has tested positive for Covid-19.

“We have worked with Public Health England and with the council around the decision for one tutor group to isolate.

"All parents have been notified and the school remains open to all of our students.”

In two letters to parents on Monday, October 19, headteacher Geoff Lumsdon said: “I have received information this morning that a member of our support staff has tested positive for coronavirus.

"As always I have contacted Public Health England and as the member of staff had been self isolating during the infectious period there is no need for the school to take further action.”

He continued: “I have received notification that a student in Year 9 has tested positive for coronavirus yesterday.

"I have made the decision to close the tutor group bubble as a precautionary measure as the child concerned was in school during the infectious period.

"A small number of children who have had contact either on the way to or from school or at lunch time will have to self isolate too.

"Parents of those children concerned are being contacted directly. Remote learning will be put in place for all students having to self isolate.”

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