NEARLY 8,000 school pupils are self-isolating across Essex, as more than 400 children at one academy self-isolate at once.

Belfairs Academy, in Leigh, is battling a Covid outbreak with 430 pupils self-isolating after 25 confirmed cases were detected at the school.

These cases were from across a number of year groups.

Meanwhile, 32 pupils are self-isolating after being in direct contact with a year ten student who tested positive for Covid-19 at the King John School in Thundersley.

One staff member also tested positive on Thursday.

The growing number of children isolating comes after Education Secretary Gavin Williamson told MPs schoolchildren will no longer need to self-isolate if they are close contact of someone who tests positive from August 16.

The school “bubble” system will instead be dropped and only those who test positive for Covid will have to self-isolate.

However, mum-of-three Kimberley O’Connell fears lifting restrictions “in one go” will be a “big risk”.

Read more:

430 pupils self-isolating after 25 Covid cases at school

32 pupils self isolate after year ten tests positive for Covid-19

The 46-year-old from Eastwood, said: “As a parent hearing about it spreading quickly again is a concern.

“You’ve just got to look at the figures and can see that younger people are getting ill and coming down with the virus.

“It’s a worry whether there will end up being another surge in the winter too and whether we will end up in lockdown again.

“I’m lucky my kids are in good health, but we’ve really got to concentrate on protecting the vulnerable.”

As of 3pm Tuesday, 2,183 pupils were self-isolating in Southend. This was across all settings, from early years to university.

Based on the January 2021 census there were 30,608 pupils in Southend state funded schools - however this figure excludes independent schools and South Essex College which may be included in the self-isolating data.

Around 5,674 school pupils are self-isolating in the Essex County Council area. This figure also includes academies and colleges.

A spokesman from the Legra Academy Trust, which Belfairs Academy are a part of, said: “As soon as we are informed of any positive tests, our clearly-defined policies and procedures are put in place, taking into account national guidance and discussions with Public Health England.

“The academy has a successful and well-developed blended learning plan for all students who are self-isolating and they access live lessons via MS Teams.

“We are very grateful to our parents for their support and thank our staff for their outstanding approach to teaching and learning despite the disruption.”

Bosses at The King John School have assured parents they are doing everything they can to follow Government guidance and keep students and staff safe.

In a letter home to parents on Friday, headteacher Daniel Steel, said: “We are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England.

“As always, from the moment we were informed of the positive tests, all processes and procedures advised have been enacted.

“This involves following the national guidance and a risk assessment with Public Health England (PHE) advisers.

“We have classroom seating plans which enable us to quickly identify individuals who have been in direct prolonged contact with a person who has tested positive. This enables Essex Track and Trace to advise us on who should self-isolate.

“It is imperative that parents who have consented to testing regularly test their children at home in order for us to keep the school community safe.”