Staff member at Eastbourne school tests positive for Covid-19

Kyra Siddall-Ward, the interim headteacher of Roselands Infant School, in Woodgate Road, Eastbourne, confirmed the news in a letter to parents on Friday (May 15).

She said the member of staff – who she could not name due to it being a confidential matter – was ‘recovering well at home’.

She wrote: “When notified, I contacted the Government Health Protection Team who provided clear advice on the steps that I should take. I contacted the team who work with the member of staff and implemented the recommendations in full.

“While the Government Health Protection Team indicated no further communication or action was required, I feel I should inform all staff and parents of pupils who have accessed the provision.

“We have followed all the other recommendations advised by the Health Protection Team including deep cleaning the work base.

“We are closing the school on Monday 18 May for a deep clean as a further precaution. We aim to open again as soon as we are confident we can do so safely and I will write to you to confirm the arrangements for next week.”

The East Sussex National Education Union (NEU) said the staff member was working at a hub for pupils from Cavendish Academy, Stafford and Roselands, as well as smaller numbers from other Eastbourne schools.

They said 100 pupils and staff had been attending the same school each day.

In a statement, the NEU said: “Thankfully, we understand the member of staff is not seriously ill, but the potential infection that may have taken place given the size of the hub represents a serious and imminent threat to health.

“We are particularly concerned that despite some of the senior leadership team knowing of the case on Monday 11th May, staff and parents were not made aware until late Friday 15th May. This disclosure was only made at all after unions, who were informed of the case earlier on Friday 15th May, contacted management to say that we would tell staff and parents if they did not do so.”

GMB, the union for school support staff, also criticised senior members of staff for keeping the information secret for a week.

Cavendish Academy has been approached for further information.