Whaplode school confirms two positive COVID-19 cases before end of term

Whaplode Primary School had two positive COVID-19 cases within the same year group, it has been confirmed today.

Year 5 pupils and staff at the village school are currently self-isolating after the first case was reported last Friday (December 11).

But then a second case was reported "earlier this week", although the school did not say whether it was pupils or staff members who tested positive for COVID-19.

Kim Davis, the school's finance and administrative officer, said: "We can confirm that a positive case was identified within the school on Friday, December 11 and, as a result of this, our Year 5 class was requested to self-isolate, along with associated staff.

"They have undertaken remote learning since that time.

"A further positive case was identified within the same cohort earlier this week and the school has worked with Public Health England to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all staff and pupils within the school.

"We will continue to monitor for any further cases during the Christmas holiday period."

Whaplode was one of five primary and secondary schools in South Holland that notified education leaders at Lincolnshire County Council of positive tests during the week of Thursday, December 9, and Wednesday, December 16.

In a letter to parents yesterday (Thursday, December 17), head of school Emma Adie praised her "amazing"pupils for having "adapted to new ways of learning".

The letter said: "It is very easy to dwell on the challenges this year has brought us all, either individually or as a school community.

"But I wanted to share with you an amazing positive from this year - your children.

"Throughout all of this, your children have been amazing.

"Whether they were learning alongside you at home, or with us in school, they have shone, they had adapted to new ways of learning, they have challenged themselves to aim high in their work wherever they are and they have continued to laugh, smile and have fun.

"As a school we are incredibly proud of them and we hope you are too."