Parents and pupils have been left confused after being told they must self isolate, even though a Covid scare at a school proved to be a false alarm.

Years 4 and 6 were sent home from Cliffe Woods Primary School on Tuesday when a member of staff tested positive using a rapid flow test.

A subsequent and more reliable PCR test proved the individual did not have coronavirus, but parents were left bemused when they were told children will still need to isolate at home for ten days.

Nevertheless, headteacher Tim Muggridge said he had no choice, as Department for Education rules stated pupils should continue to isolate if the individual affected was still suffering symptoms.

One parent, who wished not to be named, said the rules had either been misinterpreted or did not make sense.

They said: "The school have replied to all parents that have complained saying that as she still has symptoms they still need to isolate for 10 days, until Thursday of their school holidays.

"In fact they do not need to isolate as she has had a negative PCR within two days of the rapid flow. Symptoms do not mean she has Covid, she obviously has a cold or similar.

"I am so angry that my children now have to have more time off school and they are expected not to go away on holiday because of this. Have our children not suffered enough?"

She added: "They've been through a lot. They isolated in November and no one complained. We did full ten days inside and everyone was happy because it was legitimate.

"I'm totally respectful of Covid measures - most reasonable people are happy that things have been put into place; but in my opinion everything has been put into place here for the teachers and the school's reputation, not for the children.

"What's the point of having testing if they're going to ignore it?

"I just feel that this is something that needs to highlighted."

Headteacher Tim Muggridge confirmed Years 4 and 6 are in isolation until June 3, and explained the situation.

"This is most certainly not a decision that we wanted to make, but as a school have to follow the Government advice," he said. "This is because a member of staff who had contact with the children of both year groups was showing Covid symptoms, confirmed by a positive lateral flow test. Despite a later PCR test showing negative, they continued to have Covid symptoms.

"The advice from the Department of Education in this unusual situation, who we have consulted on four separate occasions for clarification, is to isolate Year 4 and Year 6.

"Our primary duty of care is to our children and beyond that, our wider community.

"We know that it has come at a very inconvenient time with half-term being next week.

"From past experience over the last year, we also know that having children at home during term time can be inconvenient and disruptive, especially because of the short notice.

"However, we must be responsible and do what we can to protect our school and local community and that is why we are following the Government advice given to us."

Click here for full coronavirus guidance from the Department for Education.

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