Parent criticises Luton school after pupil tests positive for coronavirus

A concerned parent has criticised a school in Luton for only sending a class 'bubble' home, and not the whole year group, after a pupil tested positive for coronavirus.

The mum, who has two children at Downside Primary School, says she felt anxious after hearing the news that only the class had been sent home to isolate for 14 days.

The parent, who only wanted to be named as Shaz, said: "They had a child who tested positive in a year 5 class, so the teacher sent that bubble home, but I think they should have sent the whole year home.

"They have five classes per year group, I think it is irresponsible of the headteacher not to send the whole year group home.

"She says she is following Government guidelines by sending just the bubble home.

"My son, who is in year 5, says all the classes play together on their breaks, so that bubble has mixed with other children. I am very anxious, as I'm sure many parents are.

"I think the headteacher should have sent the whole year home to isolate for two weeks."

"Since the school re-opened on September 2, I have been watching what happens when children are collected, and there is no social distancing, she has not put any arrows to guide parents in a one way direction.

"There are staff on different areas and they have staggered the times and drop offs but there should be more structure."

Each school in Luton has its own plans in place, and they are provided with support and guidance from the council.

A spokesperson for Luton Borough Council said: "Luton schools have the safety of pupils and staff as their number one priority.

"Each school has its own plans in place and Luton Council provided support and guidance.

"‘Bubbles’ are a way of socially distancing groups of children to reduce the numbers of close contacts and the risk of transmitting the virus. Schools will create bubble sizes that are appropriate and safe for their setting.

"Headteachers in Luton are aware of the government and local guidelines.

"If an individual within a school tests positive for coronavirus, the school will work with public health experts to identify any close contacts who need to self-isolate. This will usually mean the bubble is asked to stay at home for 14 days.

"The practice of creating bubbles and requiring children to self -isolate where there are confirmed cases is designed to protect our children and staff as they return to school.

"The council is keeping the situation under constant review and schools receive up to date advice and guidance on a regular basis.

"We recognise that, as schools and parents continue to work together in a new and challenging environment, it is important that concerns and issues are discussed together in order to ensure maximum safety is maintained at all times."

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