Leeds primary school with Covid-19 case forced to delay opening again after further health and safety visit

A number of staff at Bardsey Primary School, on Woodacre Lane, were told to self-isolate after a member of staff tested positive for coronavirus.

But in a letter to parents dated yesterday (Monday), acting headteacher Mark Knight and chair of governors Jane Ambrose said the school could not open at all.

It followed a health and safety visit in the morning that led them to believe staff and pupils could not be kept safe from infection.

The school hopes to welcome three year groups back by Monday (September 14).

The letter read: "I am very sorry to have to inform you that despite our best efforts to keep the school open for pupils in Years 5 and 6, we have had to take the hard decision today to also delay the reopening for these children and vulnerable children, the children of key workers.

"This situation has arisen following a health and safety visit this morning.

"This visit highlighted further issues which mean that we cannot be confident that adequate measures are in place which could keep your child or the staff in the school safe from infection, especially given that a number of people in the community have tested positive for the virus.

"We know that this will be deeply frustrating for you and cause considerable inconvenience.

"I can only apologise for this.

"However, I am sure you would agree that safety has to come first.

"Our aim is to welcome back Years 1, 5 and 6 on Monday next week and we will keep you posted regarding our progress towards this goal."

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