Whole year group sent home after pupil tests positive for coronavirus

Tadcaster Grammar School, in Toulston, confirmed that a Year 7 pupil had tested positive for Covid-19 on Tuesday, September 22.

Headteacher Andrew Parkison sent a letter informing parents that all pupils in that year group would be asked to remain at home on Wednesday, September 23.

This was taken as a "precautionary measure" to help staff identify students who had close contact with the positive case.

In a letter sent on Tuesday, Mr Parkinson said: "I am contacting you to inform you that late this afternoon I was informed that a student in Year 7 has received a positive Coronavirus test result.

"After taking appropriate advice, I have taken the decision to ask all students in Year 7 to remain at home tomorrow .

"This is a precautionary measure and allows us to clearly and carefully identify those students who are deemed as close contacts of the student and ensure we are able to communicate with those parents and carers as soon as possible.

"For those students who are not identified as close contact, school will resume as normal on Thursday, September 24."

At 9.10am on Wednesday, Mr Parkison issued an update for parents and students.

In the letter, he said: "We have been advised by Public Health England that there has been a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the school.

"We know that you may find this concerning but are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England.

"This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child.

"Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.

"The small number of children who have been in direct prolonged contact with the confirmed case will be contacted today before 2 pm and will be staying at home for 14 days.

"As a precautionary measure and to allow us time to establish those children who have been in direct prolonged contact with the confirmed case, all Year 7 students are remaining at home today.

"The school remains open and your child should continue to attend if they remain well."

What is a 'bubble'?

The government has advised schools to separate pupils into bubbles to reduce contact and limit the transmission of coronavirus.

In secondary schools, the government advice is to separate the bubbles into year groups in order to "enable schools to deliver the full range of curriculum subjects and students to receive specialist teaching."

This means there is no mixing between the year groups in classrooms, corridors and other open areas.

It also allows schools to easily identify those who may need to self-isolate if someone within the bubble tests positive for the virus

This means if a pupil tests positive in one bubble, only that bubble will need to isolate and not the other bubbles, limiting the impact on each year group.

-> These are the 11 Leeds schools which have sent pupils home due to coronavirus