Northampton specialist school WILL reopen next week after temporary Covid closure

The school was shut after an outbreak of cases occurred
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A school that caters specifically for children with autism and learning difficulties has announced it will reopen on Monday (September 28).

Purple Oaks Academy in Whiston Road, Kingsthorpe closed to all students for the whole week from September 21- 25.At least three positive Covid-19 cases were confirmed at the school, which led to the decision to shut the premises to allow for self-isolation periods to end, a deep clean to take place and staffing shortages to be resolved.

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Neither Public Health Northamptonshire or Greenwood Academies Trust, who runs the school would confirm exactly how many cases were recorded.

At least three positive tests occurred at the school. Photo: Shutterstock.At least three positive tests occurred at the school. Photo: Shutterstock.
At least three positive tests occurred at the school. Photo: Shutterstock.

A source told the Chronicle & Echo that nine people tested positive for the virus, however this was not verified by officials. The school did confirm plural cases in one statement and another case in a subsequent statement.

The week-long closure is now over and the school is ready to reopen to the majority of students.

There is, however, one bubble of pupils who will not be able to return until Thursday (October 1).

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A spokeswoman for the academy said: “Following the temporary closure of the Academy, due to staffing shortages, we are pleased to announce that we are able to reopen on Monday (September 28).

“One bubble remains in self-isolation but will be able to return to the academy on Thursday, October 1.

"As an academy, we are committed to ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of our pupils, staff and the wider school community and look forward to safely welcoming our pupils back next week."

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