The girls’ grammar school in Poole, attended by many children in Swanage has just announced that it’s to temporarily close for all staff and pupils from Tuesday 19th October 2020.
In a letter to parents, the Parkstone Grammar School confirmed that due to the high number of students and staff that had come into close contact with people at the school who had tested positive for coronavirus, that the decision had been made to close the whole school and move to online learning until the start of half-term.
Public Health Dorset says that it expects pupils to return to school as usual on Monday 2nd November 2020.
Parkstone Grammar School said:
“…over the past few weeks we have seen some confirmed positive cases of Covid-19 in the Parkstone Grammar School community.
“We have been working closely with Public Health Dorset and BCP Council, and I would like to reassure you that all necessary measures have been taken and all close contacts of these cases have been identified and told to self-isolate at home for 14 days.
“Due to a high number of close contacts associated with some of these cases, we now have a significant proportion of some year groups and a number of staff self-isolating at home.
“Following discussions with BCP Council and Public Health Dorset, we have taken the decision to move temporarily to remote online learning.”
Sam Crowe, Director of Public Health for Dorset and BCP Councils, said:
“We are aware of confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Parkstone Grammar School. We’ve been in regular discussions with the school and BCP Council to make sure all necessary measures are in place.
“The school has taken the right course of action by identifying and isolating contacts of the confirmed cases. We’d like to reassure parents that all close contacts will have been notified and asked to self-isolate at home for 14 days. Anyone who hasn’t been specifically notified as a close contact does not need to take any further action.
“It is important everyone self-isolating adheres to the government guidance by staying at home at all times. They do not need to get a test unless they develop symptoms of coronavirus.
“I would like to remind all our schools and the wider community that the best way to prevent the spread of the virus is to regularly wash your hands, maintain social distancing and to continue to limit your contact with others as much as possible.
“If you do start to develop coronavirus symptoms, such as a new continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss or change to your sense of taste or smell, please self-isolate and book a test.”
Confirmed COVID-19 case at The Purbeck School
Last week at The Purbeck School, it was confirmed that a year 9 pupil had tested positive for coronavirus, leading to a number of other students to self-isolate. The school currently remains open.
Headteacher of The Purbeck School, Adam Darley said:
“All students who have been identified as close contacts have been notified…These students have been advised on the period for which they must remain in isolation.
“The school will remain open for all other students during this period. The school has been working closely with our team at Public Health England South West and Dorset Council to ensure high standards of hygiene and social distancing are maintained and ensuring all the necessary measures are in place.”
