A CRADLEY HEATH secondary school has confirmed two cases of coronavirus.

Ormiston Forge Academy put out a notice to pupils and parents on September 18 and said people who had had "close contact" with the infected person, in year 12, had been contacted and told to self-isolate.

The school on Wrights Lane put out another statement yesterday (Tuesday September 22) stating that a year eight pupil had also tested positive, but had not been on site since September 16, so in this case no action was needed.

A note from Dr Lisa Mason, Principal, states: "A student in year 8 has tested positive today.

"However, that student has not been on site since the 16th September.

"At that time, they were not showing symptoms and the reason for their self-isolation was because a family member was showing symptoms.

The DfE has advised us that no further action needs to be taken because the child was not at school during the incubation period.

"The family acted proactively and followed all of the guidance and we are all incredibly grateful to them for that.

"It is important to stress that if we all follow the Government guidance, we are protecting one another.

"Thank you for your continuing vigilance and support and I’m sure that you will join me at this time wishing all families who are suffering from this virus, a speedy recovery."

After the first case Dr Mason, Principal, put out a statement on the school's Facebook page which read: "Further to a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the school, we have been given guidance by the Department for Education (DfE).

"We are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with the DfE. This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child.

"Only one case has been confirmed (year 12) and it is highly likely the source came from outside the school.

It goes on: "The guidance that we have received is to ask any member of staff or students that have had close contact with the infected person, to isolate for 14 days from the last time they had contact with the child (15th September).

"We have been instructed to remain open and providing your child remains well they can continue to attend school as normal. This will be kept under review.

"The students and families of those who are now self-isolating have already been informed and will be accessing remote learning from home to disruption any limit to their education."

Dear parents and carers,

A short note today to provide you with a Covid update; I feel that it is important to keep everyone informed of any developments.

A student in year 8 has tested positive today. However, that student has not been on site since the 16th September. At that time, they were not showing symptoms and the reason for their self-isolation was because a family member was showing symptoms.

The DfE has advised us that no further action needs to be taken because the child was not at school during the incubation period. The family acted proactively and followed all of the guidance and we are all incredibly grateful to them for that.

It is important to stress that if we all follow the Government guidance, we are protecting one another. Thank you for your continuing vigilance and support and I’m sure that you will join me at this time wishing all families who are suffering from this virus, a speedy recovery.

Many thanks,

Dr Lisa Mason

Principal

Ormiston Forge Academy