Kingsbury Green Academy in Calne and Bulford St Leonard's Primary School are taking precautionary measures after one pupil at each school tested positive for COVID-19.
At Kingsbury Green Academy the pupil is in Year 12, and while all precautionary and proper bubble measures have been followed, the school has also agreed to take additional precautions with advice from public health professionals and ask all Year 12 and 13 pupils, a total of 110 pupils, and three members of staff to self-isolate for 14 days until 30 September.
At Bulford St Leonard's School the pupil is in Year 5, and while all precautionary and proper bubble measures have been followed, the school has also agreed to take additional precautions with advice from public health professionals and ask all Year 5 pupils, 35 in total, to self-isolate for 14 days until 26 September. Three teaching staff will also self-isolate.
The schools have been working closely with Public Health England and Conservative led Wiltshire Council to ensure high standards of hygiene and social distancing are maintained and all the necessary measures are in place. The self-isolation of the pupils is very precautionary to minimise any risk to others.
Both schools have arranged for those pupils to continue their learning at home during this time.
Jason Tudor, Headteacher at Kingsbury Green Academy, said: "We have written to all parents and carers to explain the situation, and we really appreciate their understanding and support as we know this will cause some unfortunate disruption for the Year 12 and 13 pupils and their families. The safety of everyone within our school community is our top priority and we'll continue to work with Wiltshire Council and Public Health England to ensure this is managed closely and that the rest of the school can continue as before.
"We look forward to welcoming our Year 12 and 13 students back in a couple of weeks."
Jo Trickett, Principal at St Leonard's Primary School, "Our priority is the safety and welfare of everyone at the school and although we know this will be disruptive for some, it's the best course of action to take. We really appreciate the understanding of all the families involved, as we know how difficult this is. We wish the pupil a speedy recovery, and have plans in place to ensure all those who are self-isolating get the support they need to learn at home.
"Our COVID-19 measures already in place will ensure the rest of the school can continue just as before."
Kate Blackburn, Director of Public Health for Wiltshire, said: "These are very precautionary measures so that the risk of any transmission within the school communities is kept as low as possible. We'll work with Public Health England to provide advice and guidance to support the school so that their high standard of COVID-19 measures are maintained.
"It is important those asked to self-isolate do adhere to the government guidance; if they don't have symptoms they do not need to get a test. However, if a member of their household has symptoms and takes a test then they should self-isolate.
"I would like to remind all our schools and the wider community that the best way to prevent the spread of the virus is to regularly wash your hands, maintain social distancing and wear a face covering where appropriate".
