Middleton Cheney pupils and Italy-trip teachers will 'self-isolate' after weekend turnaround

Pupils of Chenderit School who went on a trip to Italy over the weekend and their three teacher supervisors are to 'self isolate' because of the risk of Coronavirus.
Jane Cartwright, head of Chenderit School, who has called for a 'measured approach'Jane Cartwright, head of Chenderit School, who has called for a 'measured approach'
Jane Cartwright, head of Chenderit School, who has called for a 'measured approach'

The decision of the school to ask the 26 children, and the teachers who took them to Rome on a history trip, to stay at home until March 23 was first taken on Friday.

The head teacher, Jane Cartwright, informed parents that a two week 'self-isolation' instruction had been issued but this was overturned during the weekend, according to parents. At that time the DfE advice said only children with symptoms should self isolate and it was assumed pupils would return to the classroom after a reassessment on Monday.

The turnaround concerned many parents who aired their views on social media over the weekend.

Chenderit School which as asked 26 pupils and three teachers to 'self-isolate' following a trip to Rome, ItalyChenderit School which as asked 26 pupils and three teachers to 'self-isolate' following a trip to Rome, Italy
Chenderit School which as asked 26 pupils and three teachers to 'self-isolate' following a trip to Rome, Italy

However today (Monday) the Chenderit head sent out a new email to parents that said: "I am writing to confirm that the year 12 students and staff who returned from Italy yesterday (Sunday) will not attend school until Monday, March 23. The DFE have advised that if students' parents or other siblings develop symptoms they should self isolate, however if this is not the case they should attend school as usual."

Italy is currently a category 2 country and DfE advice says those returning from this category country only need to self-isolate if they develop symptoms.

However this weekend it emerged that a pupil of Rugby Free School who had been on a visit to an area of Italy not affected by the Covid-19 outbreak. The child was one of a party that had self-isolated for 14 days after returning from the half-term break as instructed. However the pupil began to feel ill after returning to school last week and was diagnosed with the virus over the weekend.

There was confusion on the community Facebook site, Banburyshire Info, over the possibility that family members of those self-isolating might spread the virus even though they were not ill.

Mrs Cartwright, in her email, appealed to all in the Chenderit community to remain 'measured in our approach' during a challenging time.

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