RUDHEATH Senior Academy is among the first schools to trial a new scheme that prevents the need for pupils to isolate after they have come into contact with someone with Covid-19.

Currently, anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 must isolate for 10 days - and anyone identified as a ‘close contact’ of that person is required to do the same.

Rudheath Senior is one of 200 schools nationally chosen for a new Government pilot which aims to make it possible for young people classed as ‘close contacts’ to remain in school.

Those pupils will be allowed to attend lessons, providing they agree to take a Covid-19 test every morning for seven school days.

Covid testing at Rudheath Senior Academy

Covid testing at Rudheath Senior Academy

The trial, which starts after Easter, has been welcomed by head teacher Lee Barber.

He said: "This is a huge step forward for us in terms of getting back to normal education, as we won’t have to close a whole class due to a positive case.

"This means our children are not unfairly disadvantaged through losing valuable weeks in school, and we can confidently move forward with the curriculum.

"Our online learning provision is something we’re proud of as a school, but it is no substitute for pupils to be amongst teachers and friends, where they thrive.

Lee Barber, head teacher

Lee Barber, head teacher

"Anyone who has been in contact with a positive Covid case will still need to isolate when outside of school, but the hope is that there will be less disruption to children who would have otherwise been required to stay at home for 10 days.

"It is important to stress that this is optional, and parents will be made aware of the situation.

"They will be able to make their own informed choice regarding whether their child will continue to attend school, with testing, through the period."

Rudheath Senior is part of North West Academies Trust, which manages schools across Cheshire and Shropshire.