Year 11 children at a high school have been sent home to isolate after two students were diagnosed with coronavirus.
On Friday, Norham High School, in North Shields, notified parents that a Year 11 pupil had tested positive for Covid-19. Then on Sunday, another positive case was confirmed in the year group.
A decision has now been made to close the Year 11 section and all students in that bubble have been asked to isolate for a fortnight. Youngsters in all other year groups are attending classes as normal.
Two teaching assistants at the school have also tested positive for the virus and are self-isolating.
Announcing the news to parents, Norham High headteacher Terry Conway said: "As you know, we operate a strong bubble system whereby year groups are kept separated from other year groups.
"This includes Year 11 who do not socialise in any way with the rest of the school – they have their own common rooms for break and lunch and have their food delivered.
"I remind you of this because you are aware that our track and trace system was implemented fully on Friday following our first positive case in Year 11.
"However, I was unfortunately informed that one more Year 11 (apparently unconnected) has tested positive and so, it is with a heavy heart I am going to close the Year 11 bubble for two weeks.
"While two cases would not normally close a bubble, this year group is very very very small and so given even the small number of children that must isolate it seems sensible to close the bubble.
"Of course, given how children socialise in and out of school, it is possible that despite our thorough analysis of every detail, we may miss just one 'close contact' and I am simply not prepared to take that risk with your / our children.
"I hope you understand my position and support me as safeguarding your children is my priority."
He went on to say that Year 11 students would receive "live lessons" at home and would be continuing with their school work.
Mr Conway confirmed there had not been any other coronavirus cases in other year groups. However, two teaching assistants had tested positive.
"Please note that as a result of the small number of positive tests we received, I have also asked some staff to isolate and therefore I have asked my senior team to cover lessons ensuring that the highest standards of education continue to be delivered as this is what our children and community deserve," the headteacher added.
"I just want to thank you all again for the support you have shown our school, my staff and me personally."
A large number of schools across the North East have been affected by coronavirus, with scores of children being asked to self-isolate. In some cases, schools have had to close fully or partially and deep cleans have been carried out.
