Primary school in Bermondsey closes after confirmed Covid-19 case

by Alexandra Warren

A primary school has been forced to close this week due to coronavirus.

Riverside School in Bermondsey told parents that all children from reception to Year 2 must self isolate until December 11 after there was a confirmed case at the school.

Children from other year groups who attended the Breakfast Club are also required to stay at home for 14 days.

The urgent message posted on the school’s website on Sunday said: “These children should not leave their house for any reason until 11th December when they are able to return to school.

“Please do not bring them to the school gate, even if their siblings are returning to school.”

Headteacher Jose Lewis said: “The decision to close the school was made to support the wellbeing of pupils and staff, as we have always done, and to do our bit to control the spread in the local community. We all need to work towards that goal at this difficult time.

“Our parents and governors have been fantastic and commented that they support our swift action. Teachers have been working tirelessly to minimise the effect of the closure on pupils’ academic progress.

“We have taken steps to make the school as safe as it possibly can be which will give parents the confidence to send their children back when we re-open.”