Resort schools shut after positive Covid tests

Christ the King Primary Academy and St. Mary’s Catholic Academy have both been closed to staff and pupils after " a number of positive tests in the academy community."

Both schools are part of the same Blessed Edward Bamber Catholic Multi Academy Trust and are undergoing a deep clean They are likely to be closed until next week.

Parents were notified of the closure last night and a statement from Helen O'Neill, chief executive officer of the trust was put on the St Mary's High website.

It reads: "As a precaution, we are closing Christ the King Academy and St. Mary’s Catholic Academy sites for all staff and pupils for the next 48 hours.

"We have taken this decision as a very small number of the Academy community have recently tested positive for Covid-19."

She adds that the school is working with Public Health England to decide what to do next and said anyone directly affected had been contacted by school staff.

The statement continues: " We have taken this precautionary decision to temporarily close while we undertake detailed risk assessments.

"We are also taking the opportunity to clean all sites thoroughly. We do not wish to expose any pupils or staff to additional risk whilst we are undertaking these steps."

The chief executive added: "We appreciate your concerns and are working hard to address these as soon as possible. If you are concerned about your child’s health, in the meantime, please contact 111."