Northampton specialist school closes for unspecified length of time to allow for a deep clean

A specialist school in Northampton has closed to staff and pupils so that a deep clean can take place.

Greenfields Specialist School for Communication, in Prentice Court off Lings Way, closed its doors today (March 17) to begin the deep clean.

The school has not specified how long it will remain closed for.

A joint letter from the school and the Department of Health has been sent out to parents and carers and posted online.

The letter said: “There is currently no information to suggest there is any increased health risk to any pupils or staff at the school, however as a school we have been advised to carry out a deep clean of the school by NHFT (Northamptonshire Health Foundation Trust) whilst no staff or pupils are present.

“Once this has taken place we will notify parents, carers and staff of when the school will reopen.

“Pupil attendance records will not be affected and no sanctions will be applied.”

In the same letter, Public Health England addressed concerns about coronavirus concerns within the school.

The statement says: “We are aware you may have concerns in relation to COVID-19 (coronavirus) and schools.

“Public Health England are contacting a small number of people in Northamptonshire who have had close contact with one of the latest confirmed cases of COVID-19.

“Close contacts are given advice on self-isolation and health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after contact with the confirmed cases.

“This tried and tested method will ensure any risk to them and the wider public is minimised.

“We would like to assure you that in the event of any COVID-19 infection affecting this school, Public Health England will work with the school to give families, staff and pupils prompt advice and support.”

For more information about the closure, visit Greenfields’ website.