Coronavirus In West Sussex: Sixteen Cases Confirmed At Schools, Colleges And Family Centres

Thursday, 24 September 2020 15:44

By Karen Dunn - Local Democracy Reporter

A total of 16 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in schools, colleges and family centres across West Sussex.

The figures were shared with county councillors at a scrutiny committee meeting today (Thursday September 24).

Nigel Jupp (pictured right), cabinet member for education & skills, said that, with a school population of more than 110,000 children, this was ‘only to be expected’ and told the meeting the figures were ‘relatively low’.

Two cases were confirmed in early years/family centres, with one parent and one member of staff contracting the virus.

A total of 12 cases, involving eight children and four members of staff, were confirmed at three primary schools, including The Vale School, in Worthing, and also Oak Grove special school.

There were two cases at colleges.

Dozens of children have returned to online learning but will go back to school once their isolation period is over.

There was praise from the committee for the way schools had conducted themselves as they welcomed the youngsters back during what continue to be very uncertain times.

Anne Jones (Con, Burgess Hill East) said: “Because of this Covid virus, the care the schools are taking is actually really beneficial to the children at this time of insecurity and emotional concerns.”

Mr Jupp told the meeting that attendance since the schools opened earlier this month stood just shy of 90 per cent, which is higher than the national average.

Some schools reported that 95-98 per cent of children were back in lessons.

He added: “There’s no doubt about the fact that there has been some anxiety among parents about returning children.

“One head of a primary school which has 427 pupils, told me that the attitude and the atmosphere has improved greatly over the past two-and-a-half weeks since schools have been returning.

“There’s been a great deal more confidence shown by everybody involved.”