Spalding Academy welcomes back students after positive COVID-19 tests
More than 100 students at a Spalding secondary school have returned to lessons after a spell of self-isolation due to positive COVID-19 tests.
A number of Year 10 and 11 students at Spalding Academy had been sent home after four positive cases were reported over the last two weeks.
Executive head teacher Lucy Conley confirmed a total of nine students had tested positive at the school, in Neville Avenue, since the start of term in September.
Mrs Conley said: "Obviously, our main priority is always to go through our robust COVID-19 procedure and systems to make sure that we promptly isolate any student who we deem to have been in contact with each case, as directed by Public Health England (PHE).
"We also ensure that we communicate effectively with our parents and staff, always following the clear advice from the Department for Education and PHE, and working with these organisations in only looking to send home a whole year group as a last resort.
"I am very pleased with our response to all cases, the team of staff that have been set up to deal with any such situation in the school has been extremely efficient, always isolating any student who needs to isolate within an hour or two of being informed of each test result.
"The environment in our schools remains calm and supportive for all students, with our parents being highly supportive too, for which I thank them."
Mrs Conley explained that a "blended learning" system was introduced in October, allowing teachers at Spalding Academy to upload lessons and homework for students online.
"This allows any students self-isolating to have full access to all lesson materials," Mrs Conley said.
"Additionally, students have access to taught sessions using pre-recorded videos, particularly for Years 10 and 11.
"Our main concern has always been the safety of our students, staff and our families, however, the school remains open and all children have been informed they need to continue to attend as normal if they remain well."
