Sutton Bridge primary school reports positive COVID case

Three South Holland schools are among 15 across Lincolnshire to have reported positive tests for COVID-19 in the last seven days, it has been confirmed.

Westmere Community Primary School, Sutton Bridge, as well as Donington Cowley Endowed Primary School and Spalding Grammar School, are named on the latest published by Lincolnshire County Council yesterday (Monday, December 14).

The list, which relates to positive tests reported between Wednesday, December 9, and Tuesday, December 15, also includes Thurlby Community Primary Academy and Wyberton Primary Academy.

However, it is not known whether a pupil/student or staff member from the schools concerned tested postive, nor whether any year groups are self-isolating as a result.

Suzanne Ingram, deputy head teacher at Spalding Grammar School, said: "We have been dealing with at least one positive COVID test result, but have continued to provide the best education possible for our students, be that via live remote lessons, lessons in school, focused set work, or a hybrid of all of these.

"We very much appreciate the support and understanding of parents and students and applaud the ongoing hard work of all staff in enabling this to happen during such challenging circumstances."

Andy Fox, consultant in public health at Lincolnshire County Council, said: "The current rate of incidence in school-age children in Lincolnshire is 177 cases per 100,000 over seven days, much lower than the rate of 231 cases per 100,000 for all ages.

"All schools are taking action to limit the potential spread of the virus, with some pupils and staff self-isolating as a precaution where necessary.

"The majority of schools remain fully open and those affected are working really well to limit both the risk of the virus spreading and the impact on the pupils' education."