School cleared of coronavirus scare as pupils return to class

A school has been cleared of coronavirus scares after two pupils who were sent home are back in classes.

The Ark Oval Academy in Cherry Orchard Grove, Croydon, sent one pupil home last month.

Parents were sent a letter on Friday, February 29 which confirmed “one report of a person connected with school who has been asked to stay at home together with all family members based on advice from the NHS”.

This pupil has since been advised to return to school.

A second pupil was sent home because they were feeling unwell and had said they had been in contact with a family member who had travelled back from one of the affected countries.

This student has since been told by NHS111 to return to school.

A letter from principal Toby Martlew said: “There are no cases of Coronavirus at the school. The health of all of our students and staff is our top priority and we are following and closely monitoring the advice from the Government and the NHS.

“Currently the Government guidance is that schools should remain open unless directed otherwise by Public Health England.

“A student who was advised to self isolate was subsequently told by NHS111 that they are no longer required to do so and could return to school.

“As a purely precautionary measure, another child was sent home because they were feeling unwell and had said they had been in contact with a family member who had travelled back from one of the affected countries.

“They too have been told by NHS111 to return to school.

“This is a fast moving situation. We will continue to follow the Government advice and keep our parents updated. We have asked parents to let the school know immediately if they have been told by NHS111 that their child could be at risk of having the virus.

“We have made all of the Public Health England advice about how to help stop the spread of virus available throughout the school and teachers are ensuring that students are regularly washing their hands.”