A HEADTEACHER is in self-isolation after coming into contact with a child’s grandfather who has tested positive for coronavirus.

Westcliff High School for Boys told parents the grandparent had been at the school last week and had contact with a small number of teachers, including head Michael Skelly.

It comes after the father of a pupil at Belfairs Academy in Leigh also tested positive for Covid-19.

Like Belfairs, Westcliff High School for Boys has been advised to remain open.

However, teachers who had direct contact, including the head, are self-isolating as a precaution.

None of these staff are exhibiting symptoms of the virus, and they will continue working from home while awaiting testing.

The school has been maintaining contact with parents regarding latest advice from Public Health England.

Headteacher, Michael Skelly, said “The school has contingency arrangements in place in order to minimise disruption to pupils’ education and ensure continuity of learning.

“I have written to parents to explain the situation and to notify them of those contingency arrangements.

“We have taken the decision that this small number of staff, including myself, should self-isolate as a precautionary measure only and we all remain in close communication with the school.”

It comes as the government confirmed that there are now six cases in Essex, including the father of a pupil at Belfairs Academy, in Leigh.

Bosses at Belfairs Academy wrote to parents on Friday detailing the situation, and confirmed that the man’s child had not tested positive.

Mr Skelly insisted that his absence alongside several other members of the teaching staff would not have any impact on children and their learning.

The letter, from Mr Skelly, said: “The school has accepted the advice and my colleagues and I will be working from home while we await testing.

“The school already has arrangements in place to cover lessons in order to maintain the continuity of learning.

“I must emphasise this is a precautionary measure only, and I continue to have full involvement with the school and am in close communication with my colleagues, as are those other staff who are now self isolating.”

The number of confirmed cases across the UK rose to 319 as of 9am yesterday, up from 273 at 9am on Sunday morning.

There are 24 cases confirmed in the East of England, with government figures stating there is one N Isolation - headteacher Michael Skelly confirmed case within Southend.

And with the number of cases continuing to rise, Mr Skelly, insisted Westcliff High School for boys has plans to cope in place.

The letter added: “The school has contingency plans in place to enable pupils in self-isolation to continue with their education and to minimise disruption for other pupils.

“We continue to provide advice to pupils on simple hygiene which can reduce the spread of infection.

“Tissues have been provided in every classroom and we have ordered hand gel dispensers and hope to install these in the future.

“Pupils have been advised on the importance of washing their hands properly on a regular basis.”

Google plans in place for pupils to work at home

A GRAMMAR school has asked parents to prepare children to work at home should the coronavirus situation worsen.

Westcliff High School for Girls, in Kenilworth Gardens, Westcliff, wrote to parents with a contingency plan and advice.

The school said parents should take steps to ensure pupils have a computer and the internet at home.

Pupils should also be able to log in to Google Classroom at home.

In addition, youngsters should have resources at home, such as text books, to complete work.

The letter, from Westcliff High School for Girls headteacher, Dr Paul Hayman, said: “The number of cases of coronavirus in the UK is increasing, so it is important that we have made contingencies for a wider spread of this disease.

“We have already sent home information about preventing the spread of coronavirus and links to key information sites, but to ensure we are as well prepared as possible we are now asking that: “All pupils have access to a computer and the internet, or alternatively a smartphone, at home.

“All pupils must know how to log onto and use Google Classroom at Home “All pupils must know how to log onto and use Office 365 from home.

“Pupils must ensure any files they need to work on are uploaded to Google Drive.

“Pupils should ensure they have resources at home for each subject to enable them to complete work set by teaching staff.”

Meanwhile, Sweyne Park School, in Rayleigh, has confirmed its planned trip to Naples, in Italy, in three weeks has been cancelled, while a planned trip to China this summer will not go ahead.

The school also cancelled its trip to Rome last weekend.

A spokesman said: “After careful consideration we decided not to go ahead with a trip to Rome last weekend.

“We took into account parental concerns and also that a number of the attractions that were due to be visited had been closed.

“Given the latest information from official sources we have decided our trip to Naples in three weeks time and a trip the China in the summer will not be viable. So we will cancel these trips.”