Headteacher of Redditch school slams parents for 'slanderous' comments - The Redditch Standard

Headteacher of Redditch school slams parents for 'slanderous' comments

Redditch Editorial 6th Oct, 2020 Updated: 6th Oct, 2020   0

THE headteacher of Matchborough First School Academy has slammed parents for circulating lies about the school’s closure on social media.

The Matchborough Way school was closed on Monday after a member of staff tested positive for Covid-19.

It will not reopen until Thursday, October 15.

In a joint statement with governors, headteacher Mrs Jackie Harris said: “The recent Facebook comments by a few parents have not helped the situation at all and are not truthful – especially the one that stated I have Covid-19.




“I appreciate that the administrator of the unofficial Matchborough page deemed it unsuitable and removed it. I have never had the virus.

“However we are aware that a parent has posted it on their own Facebook page, so we will be seeking to take further action as the claims are bordering on slanderous.”


Mrs Harris added that the police have been contacted over the comments made and will launch their own investigation.

Parents at the school have been told their children do not have to self-isolate unless they are showing coronavirus symptoms.

Governors said the school closed because it became ‘non-operational’ due to several members of staff having to self-isolate at home.

They had come in to close contact with the staff member who tested positive at several meetings throughout a 48-hour period.

Children are continuing their learning through remote access.

Dr Kathryn Cobain, Director of Public Health for Worcestershire, said: “This case was quickly identified and the school is being supported by Public Health.

“As a number of teaching staff have been identified as close contacts, the school has taken the decision to close.

“Those identified as contacts are now also self-isolating for 14 days in line with guidance.”

 

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