School update for Bridgend County Borough 18 09 2020

Bridgend County Borough Council has issued an update on schools that are experiencing cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus.

At Garth Primary School, a member of staff has tested positive. Two additional staff members and 24 children from the reception class are self-isolating as a result.

A Year 11 pupil at Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen, Tondu has also tested positive. This has resulted in the entire year having to self-isolate – more than 200 pupils – as well as six members of staff.

At Bryncethin Primary School, a single member of staff has tested positive. They are self-isolating and no further staff or pupils are affected.

All those who are self-isolating are continuing to receive lessons thanks to online access, virtual classrooms and blended learning facilities.

Schools have been preparing for pupils to return for some time now, and have been able to take swift action in each case to act promptly upon the precautionary advice supplied by Public Health Wales.

All schools have a full range of measures in place to reduce risk, limit contact and maintain high standards of hygiene, and unaffected pupils should continue to attend lessons as normal.

Parents, carers and guardians can support efforts to fight the spread of the coronavirus by remaining vigilant, and not sending children to school if they exhibit any symptoms. This is still very much an ongoing process, and we will of course keep you up to date on new developments, procedures and emerging national guidance.

Cllr Charles Smith, Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration