Year group at Wigan high school sent home due to Covid-19

Dean Trust Wigan says its year eight group has to self-isolate for 14 days after a pupil tested positive for the coronavirus.
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The pupil attended school on Friday and the positive Covid-19 test result was confirmed over the weekend.

Public Health England said the year eight bubble at the Greenhey secondary school should go home on Monday after carrying out a detailed risk assessment.

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The Orrell high school had been informed of the situation on Monday morning.

Dean Trust WiganDean Trust Wigan
Dean Trust Wigan

The affected year group will undertake online home learning while self-isolating until they are able to return to school on Monday September 21.

Public Health England said Dean Trust Wigan pupils in all the other year groups and their siblings can attend school as normal.

James Haseldine, executive headteacher of Dean Trust Wigan, said: "We are completely confident that all procedures have been followed, in accordance with all our pre-planning and risk assessments, carried out in accordance with Public Health England guidelines.

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"Pupils have been kept in bubbles, so it is business as usual for all other year groups, and the school will also continue to provide high-quality home learning for those children who are self-isolating."

Dean Trust CEO Tarun KapurDean Trust CEO Tarun Kapur
Dean Trust CEO Tarun Kapur

Dean Trust CEO Tarun Kapur acknowledged sending a year group home to self-isolate within a week of welcoming pupils back was a blow and hoped it would prove to be a one-off.

Mr Kapur said: "‘It is hugely disappointing that we are having to send children home so soon after re-opening.

"However, we will always follow Public Health England’s advice to keep our school community safe. We hope that this is an isolated incident."

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Public Health England said there is no need for the immediate families of the pupils self-isolating to remain at home for the 14 days.

Wigan Council director of public health Prof Kate Ardern stressed that a strict process for dealing with outbreaks was being followed and urged everyone to follow the advice given.

Prof Ardern said: "The return to schools will inevitably see a rise in cases across the country but it is important to note that all the relevant and necessary safety measures are in place and being followed strictly.

“We are supporting the school with advice and guidance at this time. The school remains open and it is not necessary for any other child to self-isolate, stay away from school or to be tested, unless they develop symptoms of Covid-19.”