Numerous Exmouth College students put into self isolation

Students at Exmouth College have been forced into self-isolation after two children got on a school bus without knowing they had Covid-19.

Two children, from the same household but in different year group bubbles, Year 7 and Year 10, have tested positive for the virus.

The students unfortunately travel to school on the bus, meaning all the children on that bus also have to go into self-isolation along with a number of students who came into contact with the pupils during lessons.

In a statement of Facebook, Principal Andrew Davis said: "Unfortunately, an older member of the family had already tested positive and so the family had already started to self-isolate. Therefore, only one day of lessons on Monday was affected."

The college has checked friendship groups with the children that tested positive and every one of their classrooms for the time period they were infectious, and in school.

One parent Paul, who did not wish for his surname to be used, said he was sent a text by the school which was sent to all families of students affected.

He added: "We had to pick them up immediately from the pedestrian gate in Phear Park.

"My daughter thinks hundreds of students have been sent home. The queue in Phear Park to collect children was massive."

Exmouth College has not commented on how many children were affected after they were contacted by Nub News.

The 25 bus route will now be suspended for the period of self-isolation and Devon School Transport will put alternative arrangements into place for those children who didn't happen to travel at the same time as the students that tested positive.

Principal Davis added: "Any affected rooms are then 'fogged' with disinfectant the same day as an extra precaution.

"We also check any for any close contact interactions with teachers, teaching assistants, cover supervisors and supply teachers and so on to ensure the possibility of any transmission is minimised.

"Many thanks to parents and carers who came into school today to collect their children so promptly and calmly - we really appreciate your support and apologise for any inconvenience this would have caused you.

"We do recognise that these situations are stressful for all students whether they are directly involved or not and so please if you are worried about your child please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

"As I have said previously this is an important reminder to all of us to take the virus seriously and remember to sanitise our hands regularly, maintain our distance from each other and wear a face covering unless eating or in a classroom.

"Once again my apologies for the disruption and I hope everyone continues to be safe and well."