Special needs school forced to close after two teachers diagnosed with coronavirus and other staff showing symptoms
A SCHOOL for special needs children has been closed after two teachers tested positive for the coronavirus.
The Sheiling School, near Bristol, is currently undergoing a deep clean following the news, while other staff members are also reportedly showing symptoms.
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Following the diagnosis and "extensive discussions" with Public Health England, the school has been temporarily closed while all staff are tested.
While other schools around the UK have been closed as part of lockdown restrictions, many are set to reopen from June 1.
Sheiling Special School has stayed open during the pandemic, but insisted it was following "strict guidance on social distancing" and using PPE.
Unions are concerned that teachers could be put at risk should schools return in three weeks, due to close contact with pupils.
Many have urged Prime Minister Boris Johnson to scrap the June 1 date in order to safeguard parents' health.
Giants including Union and Unite, representing hundreds of thousands of teachers, said schools should only reopen "when it is safe to do so".
'SERIOUSLY WORRIED'
A spokesman for the National Education Union (NEU) said: "There is a particular problem in special schools as the children do not always have the capacity to understand new safety procedures including social distancing.
"This is the first local case of a Covid-19 outbreak in a school, maybe the first nationally. It bodes ill for the safe re-opening of schools on 1st June."
They added: "Teachers are seriously worried that the sacrifices made by health service and care workers may now be demanded of them."
In a statement, the school, based in Thornbury, confirmed the news.
They wrote: "On Monday 11th May following extensive discussions with Public Health England, Sheiling School took the decision to close on a temporary basis following the positive Covid-19 test results of two members of the educational staff.
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"Up to 18 pupils were attending the school on a regular basis with up to 30 educational staff on site.
"The school has been following strict guidance on social distancing where possible, use of PPE and daily infection control cleaning but despite these rigorous measures, two members of staff have, very regrettably, tested positive for the virus.
They added: "The school will now undergo a deep clean and all staff and pupils will be tested for COVID-19. The residential homes for children and young people that are run by Sheiling School have been unaffected by the cases and remain open."
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