Primary school in Northampton closes due to five confirmed Covid cases

A primary school in Northampton has closed with immediate effect due to a number of Covid-19 cases.

St James Primary School in Harlestone Road, Dallington shut at this morning (October 20) after another case of coronavirus was confirmed.

Pupils, who will be picked up today, will remain off school for the rest of this week before the October half term, as a deep clean of the premises is carried out.

The decision to close the school comes after parents have been informed of five cases in the past week.

All of the cases are related to adults who work at the school. The latest case discovered today was a member of staff 'not linked to classes'.

In a letter to parents, seen by the Chronicle & Echo, the school said: "We have had another positive test result for a member of staff in school.

"This member of staff is not linked to classes or teaching staff and therefore we are not sending any teaching bubbles home.

"However, in the circumstances, we have taken the difficult decision to close the school from 11am today for the next three days prior to the half term break to facilitate a deep clean as soon as possible.

"While I accept that this may cause you concern and inconvenience, I am sure that you understand that to protect the health and wellbeing of all staff, this is a necessary decision."

Any children who need to isolate due to cases announced earlier than today, will have been told via a letter to their parents. Online learning will begin tomorrow (October 21).

This is the third school in Northampton to announce a closure in the last two days. Weston Favell Academy and Northampton International Academy are also both now closed.

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