Calderdale school class 'bubbles' sent home over suspected cases of Covid-19

Senior officers updated councillors and lay members of Calderdale Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Board about progress made since children in certain age groups began returning to school through June.

Board member Shelagh Hirst said that nationally it appeared a lot of schools which opened more widely – they have always been open for children of key workers and vulnerable children – were having to shot down bubbles, which are groups of classmates, because of outbreaks of COVID-19.

“Have we had that, or have we something in place to deal with that?” she said.

Consultant in Public Health Ben Leaman said this had happened and explained that this was not unexpected.

With more children going back to schools, it was inevitable and Calderdale had plans in place, working with schools, to deal with situations and these were reviewed regularly.

Staff were also available to give schools help and advice on a 24-7 basis, said Mr Leaman.

“COVID-19 hasn’t gone away, it is still out and about in the community so we will see children with symptoms or get positive tests and there is nothing out of the ordinary about that, every area is the same.

“We have taken a more cautious approach in Calderdale, suggesting schools should close bubbles down while awaiting test results.

“Yes, we have had bubbles closed down. I don’t see that as a bad thing – schools are working with us to make sure they do the right thing,” he said.

Assistant Director Mark Randall said overall attendance at primary and secondary schools was now at 17 per cent of pupils, six per cent up on the previous tally.

Around 45 per cent of early years children are back at school and about 40 per cent of Year 1 pupils.

“Our youngest children need to be back – and need to be settled – and it is a very positive picture.

“That is what we wanted schools to do and that is what is happening,” he said.

Mr Randall said Calderdale’s 40 per cent is among the highest among local authorities, many being at around 29 or 30 per cent.

Coun Stephen Baines (Con, Northowram and Shelf) asked about the Year 10 and Year 12 secondary age pupils.

Mr Randall said around 50 Year 10 and 50 Year 12 students per school were back but explained it was hard to get a percentage average as some children were at school one day and a different group the next.

All Calderdale’s secondary schools were open, and there was a desire among them to have as many children back as possible in those age groups because some will be taking GCSE exams next year, he said.