Sunderland school confirms that two people have tested positive for Covid-19

Headteacher Neal Holder has confirmed to the Echo that the school was informed on Monday, September 28 that a Year 8 pupil had tested positive for the illness – with pupils who had been in close contact asked to self-isolate.

Mr Holder also confirmed that a member of staff had developed symptoms on Monday evening (September 28) and that they had tested positive this morning (Thursday, October 1) – the staff member had not been in school since Monday.

The school have confirmed that the correct Government guidelines have been followed and those who need to self-isolate are at home.

Mr Holder commented: “We found out about the member of staff at 7am today (Thursday) and by 7.30am, we had highlighted seven pupils who could have been in close contact and have asked them to self-isolate.

"The seven pupils had been sat at the front of the class and even though all our teachers wear visors, we deemed it appropriate they shouldn’t be in school.

"We have followed all Government protocols and guidelines in relation to both cases and there is no need for parents to worry.

"I can assure them that the school is probably the cleanest that it has ever been and those who are affected have remained at home.”

Under Government rules, schools do not need to shut if anyone tests positive for Covid-19, only those who have been in close contact with the affected person are required to self-isolate.

Southmoor is one of dozens of Sunderland schools to have reported a positive coronavirus test.

Many are currently partially closed or have pupils self-isolating after a number of confirmed coronavirus cases.

Together for Children, which operates Children’s Services in the city, issues a daily lost of schools which are closed to certain classes and year groups.

On Thursday October 1 that list included Bexhill Primary Academy, Diamond Hall Junior Academy, East Herrington Primary Academy and Hetton Primary and Secondary Schools.

Schools which have pupils self-isolating, but have not closed entire year groups, include The Venerable Bede C of E Academy, Castle View Enterprise Academy, Biddick Academy, Thornhill Academy, Sandhill View Academy and St Anthony's Girls' Catholic Academy.

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