UPDATED – Confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Primary School

UPDATE – Following the earlier news that a member of staff from Reception Class at Ashfield Park Primary School had tested positive for COVID-19, they have confirmed a further isolated case with a pupil in Year 6 testing positive.

In a letter to parents and carers Headteacher, Mr Kendrick, said: “We have been advised by Public Health England / Herefordshire Public Health that there has been two confirmed isolated cases of COVID-19 within the school. One case was for a staff member in Reception and the other for a Year 6 child. Neither child or staff member has had any close contact. I have therefore taken the decision following liaison with Public Health England and the Local Authority Outbreak Team to close both Year 6 and Reception bubbles. I have given serious consideration to closing the whole school one day early given how close we are to the half term holidays (tomorrow was our last day) but have been advised to follow protocols set by the Local Authority. Therefore the school will remain open. I do understand however that some of you may consider not bringing siblings to school tomorrow but I would please ask you to follow school protocol on absence and inform the admin team through email admin@ashfieldpark.hereford.sch.uk or telephone 01989 562738. We legally need this information otherwise It could flag up a potential safeguarding concern. In this instance I will not penalise any parents who take this choice as long as they inform us as stated above.

“We are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England / Herefordshire Public Health. This letter is to provide advice on how to support your child (ren). Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.

“The school remains open for Year 1,2,3,4,5 and providing your child remains well they can continue to attend school as normal. We will keep this under review.“