St Leonards school confirms Covid-19 cases

West St Leonards Primary Academy, in Harley Shute Road, St Leonards, wrote to parents today (Thursday, December 10) to break the news.

The letter said: “We have been made aware of two members of our staff testing positive for Covid-19.

“The number of children and staff who have been in close contact with the individuals who have tested positive for coronavirus (Covid-19) have received a letter informing them that they must stay at home for 14 days.

“The school remains open and your child should continue to attend as normal if they remain well.”

West St Leonards Primary Academy is the latest school in Hastings and St Leonards to confirm Covid-19 cases.

Ark Alexandra Academy sent home year 7 students last week and this morning announced an emergency school closure for year 8.

Both year groups are based at the lower block of the school at the Helenswood campus.

In an announcement to parents, the school said: “We have been told by parents of a year 8 student of a positive test for Covid-19 this morning.”

Baird Primary Academy also sent all students home this morning due to Covid-19.

The school is shut to everyone except children of critical workers and vulnerable students.

A spokesman for the University of Brighton Academies Trust, which runs West St Leonards Primary Academy, said:

“We can confirm that two members of our school community have tested positive for Covid-19. Following the necessary track and trace process, we have acted quickly to notify individuals that have been in close contact and are now required to self-isolate.

“The school remains open to all year groups, and we expect our pupils to attend as normal.

“We want to assure our families that we are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to keep them informed of any further developments.

“We would like to thank our parents, carers and pupils for their continued support and understanding during these challenging times.”

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