Chichester special school closes over covid-19 case

Littlegreen Academy in Compton sent out a letter to parents today (October 4) saying someone within the upper school bubble had tested positive for coronavirus. The letter, which has been seen by this newspaper, said: “We know you may find this concerning but [we] are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England.

“This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child.

“The very small number of children who have been in direct prolonged contact with the confirmed case will have received an individual letter and will be staying at home for 14 days.

“We have had to take a very difficult decision to close the school until October 19 to ensure we have the staffing ratios required to safely meet the needs of all our pupils’ complex social, emotional and mental health needs.”

The school said it would be in contact again on Monday (October 5) with a further update and parents are advised to email if they have any questions in the meantime.

What to do if your child develops symptoms of COVID 19

• If your child develops symptoms of COVID-19, they must not come to school and should remain at home for at least 10 days from the date when their symptoms appeared.

• Anyone with symptoms will be eligible for testing and this can be arranged via the NHS website or by calling 119.

• All other household members who remain well, must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. This includes anyone in your ‘Support Bubble’.

• The most common symptoms of coronavirus are a continuous cough, high temperature, and loss of or change in normal sense of taste or smell