School and classroom closures

The news that a number of schools in the Caerphilly county borough have had a positive case(s) for Covid-19 is a concern for everyone.

(Last updated 16 October 2020, 4pm)

Schools have rigorous Health and Safety plans in place which allows them to act quickly when they are notified of a positive case. Environmental Health Officers and partners in Public Health Wales are working closely with schools to ensure appropriate safety measures are in place to limit any cross contamination and share the most up-to-date guidance and information. 

Questions and answers

Many of you will have questions and queries that relate to your personal circumstances and we are doing our very best to ensure that we provide you the necessary factual information and try to support you the best we can.

Who has to isolate?

Public Health Wales guidelines are being followed and only pupils who have been in contact by the school with the positive case need to isolate.

What happens if my child was away from school?

Any child who did not have contact with the class does not need to self-isolate and should contact the school regarding arrangements for schooling.  If your child was absent due to illness, they should not attend school until they have fully recovered.  

Why don’t all children have to isolate?

The school has a staggered timetable and different entry/exit gates to ensure that the children are in ‘bubbles’.  These ‘bubbles’ are designed to limit the spread between pupils and staff in the event of a positive case of COVID-19.  

Public Health Wales has advised that only the pupils and staff of the affected class ‘bubble’ need to self-isolate for 14 days. 

It is not necessary for any other child to self-isolate, stay away from school or to be tested. All other children are advised to attend school as normal.

Should siblings and other household members of isolating children also need to isolate?

Not necessarily, but social distancing in the home must be maintained.  We understand that this may be difficult in the case of younger children.

Will affected school be deep cleaned?

All school will continue with the enhanced cleaning procedures that are in place. The affected classroom will also be cleaned thoroughly as will all shared areas.

Can my child come to school if they are feeling unwell or have a cold?

Anyone who is unwell or displays symptoms of Covid-19 should not attend school.

Does my child need to wear a mask?

Face coverings are not recommended for primary school aged children.  Secondary school pupils are strongly recommended to wear face coverings on all transport and in areas where social distancing cannot be maintained.
Strict safety measures with regards to hygiene are in place in schools and will continue to be practised. 

If my child was instructed to shield previously, should I keep them home from school?

No, shielding is not being re-instated at this stage.  If this changes and your child is asked to shield again you will be written to.