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Schools Update - Heacham Junior School - COVID-19 Precautionary Measures - 9th June 2020

West Norfolk Academies Trust has today informed parents of children at  Heacham Junior School that a member of staff has received a positive Covid-19 test result.

The test was taken on Sunday 7th June - the day before the school reopened. Two 'bubbles' at the school were closed today as a precautionary measure and will now remain closed until Monday 15th June.

Louise Jackson, Executive Headteacher of Heacham Infant, Junior and Snettisham Primary Schools, said: "This member of staff had shown none of the main Covid-19 symptoms but after suffering from a headache, was advised by a qualified medical professional to be tested.

"She was not at work on Monday when the school reopened but she did visit the school on Thursday 4th June for a 45-minute briefing with three other members of staff in a classroom. They maintained social distancing throughout their time on site and cleaners worked in that classroom shortly afterwards, ensuring it was cleaned to current Covd-19 guidelines."

Andy Johnson, West Norfolk Academies Trust Executive Headteacher, said that Public Health England told the Trust it does not believe the school needs to be closed and praised senior leadership for the cautious action taken.

He continued: "We have been in contact with Public Health England today and it has advised us, as a precautionary measure, that these three other members of staff need to self-isolate for 14 days and be tested. The tests are a completely precautionary measure as none of these members of staff are displaying any symptoms."

Roger Livesey, Chair of the Trust, said the Trust had made the decision to keep two bubbles closed for the remainder of this week.

He said: "This is not a decision we've taken lightly, but we believe it is in the best interest of our staff and children. Our aim is to reopen these bubbles at Heacham Junior School on Monday 15th June.

"We informed the parents affected this morning but have also encouraged all Heacham Junior parents to remind their children about social distancing and washing their hands regularly, and if their child shows any symptoms of Covid-19 to register to be tested within three days."