Behind the Headlines – Papdale Primary School COVID situation

We are aware of parental and public concern within the community in regards to the ongoing COVID situation at Papdale Primary School and some unfortunate speculation circulating on social media. We thought it may be helpful to provide some background and explain some of the reasoning behind why a school remains open and how and when a decision is made on whether to close in full or partially.

Why is a school not closed when it becomes clear that COVID-19 is present?

Schools will not be closed as a matter of course when there are cases of COVID-19, each situation will be monitored and managed appropriately depending on a variety of factors, such as numbers of cases throughout the school, case numbers within classes, case numbers among staff, enhanced mitigating measures that can be put in place, the size of the school, whether the source is determined by Public Health as being the school or wider community transmission.

If we were simply to close a school when there are cases of COVID-19, we may find ourselves in a position whereby schools are rarely open, especially given the current high rates of community transmission across Orkney. This would be incredibly damaging for pupils and students who have already missed out on so much on their educational and social well-being journey. It is for this reason that we must look to each individual set of circumstances and make informed decision based on the facts and advice before us.

Who takes the decision to close a school?

The Council’s Education Service relies on the advice and guidance of NHS Orkney Public Health. Inter-disciplinary meetings are held between Health and Council officials (including from the Education Service, the school, Environmental Health and Safety and Resilience) as often as required to manage the situation, to look at the facts, and to make collective, joint informed decisions on that basis.

When is it deemed necessary to close or partially close a school when considering COVID-19 numbers?

There are a number of reasons why a school may be closed. Public Health consider the facts before them and use this to ascertain whether or not the school is the source of transmission or whether it is as a result of wider community transmission. Overall class numbers are looked at and the numbers of COVID-cases relevant to each class. If the number of cases increases above a certain level within an individual class (this may vary again dependent on the size of the class) and it is determined that there is spread within that class, then a decision may be made to close down individual classes.

This has been being closely monitored at Papdale Primary School.

Another option open is to close down sections of a school, for example if the upper section is more affected, then that could be closed down or vice-versa.

We must also consider staffing levels – if staff numbers fall below what is deemed as a safe number to operate against the number of pupils within the school then the Education Service can make the decision to close a school – as was the case at Stronsay Junior High School recently due to positive cases and the number of staff requiring to self-isolate.

Why have cafes and pubs been closed with smaller positive cases of COVID and not Papdale Primary?

We must find the correct balance in respect of schools and the right of pupils to have an education and a social experience. This is so important and has to be a factor in the decision-making. COVID is within our communities and it looks as though it is here to stay for some time yet. We must learn to manage all situations to allow us to continue with our lives in as safe and appropriate way as possible. The last thing we want is to find ourselves in a position whereby schools are closing for a week or two every few weeks due to cases of COVID.

Will parents be penalised if they choose not to put their children to school during a COVID-19 situation?

There has been some worrying speculation among social media and this is really not helpful to anyone. We understand why parents are concerned and we do appreciate why a small number have chosen to keep their children home. At no time has there been any suggestion that these parents will be penalised for this. However, we would encourage all parents to continue to put their children to school to allow those who are well to continue learning.

How are parents being kept informed?

Following all inter-disciplinary meetings, statements have been issued to the local media and on the Council website and social media pages. The Head Teacher has issued “warn and inform” letters to affected classes and a letter was sent to all parents advising of the situation. She also issued her weekly news round-up to all parents on Friday and the staff continue to be available to provide reassurance to parents when that is required.

Staff, from the cleaners to the school chefs, the janitors to the administration workers, support staff, nursery staff and teachers, led by the Head Teacher have been doing an incredible job in challenging circumstances. Please remember that we are all in this together and trying our best to manage difficult situations.

Following a decision to close or partially close a school, what happens next?

Parents and staff will be informed as soon as possible and remote learning may be issued for allow those children having to remain at home to still participate in some for of learning. Re-opening will be determined once the situation is deemed safe and appropriate.