Parents have been sending “clearly unwell” children to Merseyside schools despite government guidance on coronavirus, an academy trust has warned.
Some of these children have gone on to test positive for Covid-19, according to the boss of the trust, which operates three schools in Knowsley.
In a letter to parents, Dean Trust chief executive Tarun Kapur said: “We have recently had cases of pupils coming into school who are clearly unwell.
“A number of these pupils have subsequently tested positive for Covid-19.
"As a result, we have been advised by Public Health England to send home classes and occasionally full year groups of pupils.”
Parents have been advised by the government to keep children at home if they exhibit coronavirus symptoms until they have received a negative test result.
But difficulties in securing childcare could make this impractical for some parents.
Mr Kapur added: “I would urge that all our parents and carers remain vigilant of any symptoms that their child has that could indicate that they have Coronavirus (COVID-19) and ensure that they remain at home.
“It is then very important that contact is made with the local health protection team and a Covid19 test is taken.
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“We are making every effort to keep as many pupils in school as possible but to succeed, we need to work together to limit the risk of transmission within our schools.”
The Dean Trust operates 10 schools across the North West, including Lord Derby Academy, Blacklow Brow School and Park View Academy in Huyton.
Lord Derby Academy and Blacklow Brow School have both had confirmed Covid-19 cases, though it is not clear whether this is linked to children going to school when unwell.
