Halifax school shuts after confirmed cases of coronavirus

Education chiefs at Broadwood School, on Moor End Road, made the decision to keep the school closed today until further notice.

The school, which is run by Keys Group, informed parents of the closure today in light of many over a week after more schools opened as Government eased lockdown rules.

“Our absolute priority is the health and well-being of everyone within the school.

"We have been working closely with the local authority and Public Health England and are continuing to follow all of their guidance on testing, self-isolation and conducting a deep clean.

“All students and staff who may have been affected have been contacted so they can take the appropriate precautions including self-isolating and testing where appropriate. We are absolutely committed to protecting the safety of our pupils, our staff and the wider community.”

Deborah Harkins, Director of Public Health at Calderdale Council said: “A small number of people have tested positive for the coronavirus at a school in Calderdale.

“The safety of pupils and the teaching and support staff is our priority and we have been working with the school and Public Health England to make sure that the infection is contained. This includes testing, self-isolation where appropriate and thoroughly cleaning the premises.

“All of the cases have been followed up by NHS Test and Trace, and any close contacts have been informed and advised to self-isolate.

“As the virus is still within our community we should all continue to maintain good hygiene by washing our hands with soap and water often, for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching our face and follow the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ guidance to help keep ourselves and others safe."