Headteacher explains how school bubble system works after parents raises concerns about crowd

A Washington parent has raised concerns after seeing a large crowd of students lined up outside a school with the majority not wearing masks.
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Headteacher of Washington Academy has explained how the ‘bubble system’ works and why students are able to move around the school between classes.

A concerned parent photographed a large crown of students lined up outside the Spout Lane academy on Wednesday, September 23.

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The photograph, which has been seen by the Echo but cannot be published for safeguarding reasons, shows around 50 students crowded against the school.

Washington Academy. Picture by Frank ReidWashington Academy. Picture by Frank Reid
Washington Academy. Picture by Frank Reid

The parent, who asked to remain anonymous, raised concerns that only a small minority of students were wearing masks.

They said: “How can they be certain that all the people who have been in contact with the person who has tested positive have been told to self-isolate.

“Seeing all the children lining up together so close, outside in the rain, with only about 10% wearing masks – I couldn’t believe it.”

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The parent raised these concerns after a member of the school community tested positive for Covid-19 which led to a small number of ‘close contacts’ being asked to self-isolate for 14 days.

Sue Hamilton, headteacher at Washington Academy, explained that the parent had photographed one year group bubble and only those students can use the door they were waiting outside.

She said: “Following the photo taken on Wednesday morning, we can confirm this is a Year 9 bubble waiting to come into school – Year 9 is the only bubble which enters through this entrance.

"Due to the weather that was experience in Sunderland on Wednesday morning, students moved under the sheltered line-up space to escape the rain, appearing as if they are closer together than usual.

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Students do not have to wear a mask in the outdoor area – as per local authority guidelines, but are required to wear a mask inside. Students are unable to enter the building unless they have a mask on, if they do not have a mask, they are provided with a disposable one by staff at the entrance. The only students who are exempt from wearing masks are those with a medical reason and are given a special exemption pass.

“Our bubbles do not mix at all during the school day – each one of our bubbles have a staggered start, breaks, lunches, and end times, meaning we can isolate each bubble. The fact we have different colour ties for each of our years means we can easily identify students and ensure there is no mixing.

“The decision was made for students to continue to move around the school as we have thorough procedures in place to keep our year group bubbles separate. This means we can continue to provide a broad curriculum which does not impact our students’ learning experience.

“This has been a new experience for our students and staff but, each member of our school has worn a mask since the return to full-time education in September.

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"We have seen incredible respect, understanding, and maturity when it comes to wearing masks and staying in bubbles.”

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