A YEAR 10 pupil from Lydiard Park Academy tested positive for coronavirus and 79 more are self-isolating as a precaution.

Headteacher Gary Pearson recorded a short video for Facebook which explained the situation, reassured parents and carers, and outlined what would happen if more students test positive.

He said: "Unfortunately, I have to report that we have had our first positive test result for Covid-19.

"I've been in contact with a number of people - the DofE, the local public health team for this region and Swindon Borough Council.

"I have to send home... just over a third of year 10. We've been able to do our own kind of track and trace and see where the pupil who has tested positive has been in close contact with - that's defined as within two metres for a period of 15 minutes.

"It's within their lessons, within PE, and their close personal friends. They need to go home and self-isolate... for 14 days from when the last contact was.

"So long as nobody has any symptoms, those pupils can return on October 9."

Two letters have been sent out - one to all parents and another to the parents of the 79 pupils who need to self-isolate.

Mr Pearson added: "I know this is a worrying time and we are going to do our best to continue education for all pupils."

Any further confirmed cases would likely mean that the rest of the year would need to go home to self-isolate, he added.

Microsoft Teams lessons have been organised for the pupils staying home while the day continues as usual for the other two-thirds of the Year 10 group who can still come into class.

The school has followed advice, instructions and guidance from Public Health England.

Any questions parents have can be emailed to ask@lydiardparkacademy.org.uk

Further guidance for families with a member of their household self-isolating can be found here

A Swindon BOrough Council spokesman said: “The council’s Public Health team and colleagues from Public Health England are supporting staff at Lydiard Park Academy after one of its students tested positive for Covid-19.

“The school is following the existing guidance for non-clinical settings, including providing staff and students with guidance on social distancing and hygiene to limit the spread of the virus.

“The school has ensured stringent procedures are in place for the safety of students and staff and, as a result, 79 students who have been identified as possible contacts of the student concerned, have been sent home and told to self-isolate for 14 days.”