A whole year group has been sent home after another pupil at a Rayleigh school has tested positive for coronavirus.

Year eleven students at Sweyne Park School were sent home earlier today as a "precautionary decision", with pupils who had been in direct contact with the confirmed case being asked to self-isolate.

Their parents were contacted by the school, which is based on Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, via email and have each been notified of their return to school date.

It comes after a year eleven pupil at the school tested positive for coronavirus, it was confirmed on Sunday, while a Sweyne Park teacher tested positive for Covid-19 earlier this month (September 7).

Bosses are however reminding fellow students and families that the school remains open, and that children should continue to attend if they remain well.

In an update to parents, headteacher Katharine Dines, said: "Further to my email on Sunday, we have had confirmation first thing this morning that another pupil in year eleven has now tested positive for Covid-19. 

"Given the timing of this news, and the fact that it took some time to obtain the necessary guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) and Public Health England (PHE) we took the precautionary decision to send year eleven home to work today; a decision which was supported by PHE.

"Having evaluated the situation, PHE told us to ascertain close contacts of the pupil in question, which we have now done.

"The parents and carers of the pupils we have identified as having been in direct prolonged contact with the confirmed case have already received an individual email this afternoon confirming the need for their son or daughter to self-isolate and their return to school date.

"I will, of course, keep you updated on any further developments, please do continue to keep an eye on your emails."

What advice do Public Health England give?

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

Anyone with symptoms will be eligible for testing and this can be arranged via https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test 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 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill.

Household members should not go to work, school or public areas and exercise should be taken within the home.

If you require help with buying groceries, other shopping or picking up medication, or walking a dog, you should ask friends or family. Alternatively, you can order your shopping online and medication by phone or online.

Household members staying at home for 14 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community

If you are able, move any vulnerable individuals (such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions) out of your home, to stay with friends or family for the duration of the home isolation period.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of coronavirus are recent onset of:

  • a new continuous cough
  • a high temperature
  • a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)

How to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting the virus

  • wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
  • use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
  • wash your hands as soon as you get home
  • cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
  • put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards