Hartlepool primary school closed for deep clean after deputy head tests positive for Covid

A Hartlepool primary school will be closed for the day to allow for a deep clean to be carried out after one of its senior teachers tested positive for the coronarivus.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Throston Primary School’s headteacher Mark Atkinson has sent a letter of reassurance to parents and carers, explaining deputy headteacher Sonya Black has Covid-19 and explaining he understands it will mean “turmoil” for many as children are told to self-isolate.

In the note, published yesterday, Sunday, November 8, he explains his colleague has allowed her name to be shared to help answer questions from them and “reaffirm that as a school, we are always fully transparent.”

Read More
We're here if you need help - Hartlepool group ready to feed most struggling peo...
Throston Primary School, in Flint Walk, will be closed today, Monday, November 9, to allow for a deep clean to be carried out. Image copyright Google Maps.Throston Primary School, in Flint Walk, will be closed today, Monday, November 9, to allow for a deep clean to be carried out. Image copyright Google Maps.
Throston Primary School, in Flint Walk, will be closed today, Monday, November 9, to allow for a deep clean to be carried out. Image copyright Google Maps.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He adds: “On behalf of the school I would like to wish Mrs Black a very speedy recovery, at this very difficult time for her and her family.

“In order to reassure children, parents and carers and staff we have been working very closely with experts at the Local Authority Public Health Team.

"They have now advised that we close the school tomorrow, Monday, November 9, for a deep clean of all areas to remove any risk of infection.

“We are now ascertaining with public health which children and members of staff need to self-isolate due to contact with Mrs Black.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This will include children who had face-to-face contact within a metre of the teacher, which means all Year 3 and 4s who entered via the Lower Key Stage 2 entrance last Wednesday, Thursday or Friday and those who received a handwriting badge her.

Those children will need to isolate for 14 days from the last contact they had with the teacher, which means for most it will run until Monday, November 23.

He added: “I know this has thrown your family life into turmoil, but we have to follow the very precautionary advice of public health to remove any risk.”

Families will be contacted today if their child needs to isolate and learn from home, with thanks sent for their patience as inquiries were carried out.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Atkinson said: “Thank you for your understanding and patience during these unprecedented times.

"I am confident #TeamThroston will overcome these difficulties, as we do everything, we can to keep everyone safe whilst continuing to provide the best education we can.

"I can only once again apologise for the inconvenience caused.”

Support your Mail and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on Pools and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.