THE first cases of covid-19 in West Somerset schools were reported this week when pupils of Minehead Community College and Minehead First School were sent home and told to self-isolate for 14 days.

On Monday, parents of 250 pupils from 12 to 14 in the school’s Year 9 group received a letter from head teacher Gregg Mockridge saying that there was a confirmed case of coronavirus and that children who had been in contact with the affected pupil should self-isolate at home until October 12.

The following day, parents of pupils at Minehead First School were told there was a confirmed covid-19 case and that all 64 pupils from Year 4, and four children from the Breakfast Club should self-isolate at home until October 13. So should four members of staff.

Schools in Bridgwater and Taunton have reported cases of the virus in recent weeks but these are believed to be the first in West Somerset.

Parents were told that children in self-isolation did not need to be tested unless they developed symptoms. Pupils in other year groups should attend school as normal if they remain well as they were in separate “bubbles” and had had no contact with those infected.

Statements issued this week from both schools said: “Working with colleagues at Public Health England and Somerset County Council’s public health team, we undertook a risk assessment and identified the children who may have been in close contact with the confirmed cases.

“Following national guidance around close contacts with a confirmed case, we have asked all students from Year 9 to self-isolate at home until October 12, which will be 14 days since their last contact with the confirmed case.

“Public Health have carried out a risk assessment and are satisfied with all the measures we’re taking to keep students safe. These include the robust and enhanced cleaning procedures we have implemented throughout the day.

“Clearly this has had an impact on the school community, those pupils involved and their families. However, the affected year group will have comprehensive online resources building on the curriculum they would be following at school, while they are self-isolating.”

More on this story in tomorrow’s Free Press