THE number of Bradford schools being hit by Covid-19 cases since reopening earlier this month is “enough to be a cause for concern” according to a union.

According to the latest figures for the last full week, correct as of March 19, a total of 59 out of 214 schools in the Bradford district had one or more cases, while 42 had bubble or year group closures. All schools remained open. 

Ian Murch, president of the National Education Union in Bradford, said the figures are “enough to be a cause for concern”.

He said discussions suggest most cases are children rather than teachers. One Trust saw its cases more than double in a matter of weeks, he said, and added: “It’s going to be important to review over the holidays whether it’s safe to carry on as we are if there is a significant spread within schools.

"We are not saying at the moment schools need to reduce the number of children, but we’ll have to wait and see what the full outcome is of reopening in the way they have.”

Mr Murch said the union would be waiting to see the figures from the end of this week to get a picture of how much schools are spreading the virus. 

Grove House Primary, on Myers Lane in BD2, is one of a number of schools recently forced to send children into isolation. Year One and Year Four pupils at St John the Evangelist R C Primary School, on Beacon Road, were told to isolate until and including March 27.

Meanwhile, a bubble at St Winefride’s Catholic Primary School in Wibsey was closed following a case of coronavirus.

One parent from Grove House said: “My son was sent home on March 18 because someone in his bubble was positive. So, that’s another four weeks at home. Thank god his SATs have been cancelled so he doesn’t have that stress.

"I really feel for the Year 10, 11 and sixth form kids, as well as all those having their exams and results impacted by this. I know schools, colleges and teachers will do their utmost, but it must feel like a kick in the teeth for all concerned.

"Nothing has changed in schools; ventilation is still poor and kids are crammed in corridors.”

A spokesperson from Pennine Academies Yorkshire, which looks after Grove House Primary, said: “We can confirm that one class bubble has been closed following a single positive Covid-19 case and the staff and pupils are self-isolating as per guidance.

"The safety of pupils and staff is our top priority and we continue to work closely with Public Health England and Bradford Council to follow the appropriate advice and guidance. The school remains open to all other children.”

Nationally,  Government figures revealed a growing number of children were self-isolating at home last week due to possible Covid-19 cases, but attendance in state schools was the highest it has been at any point during the pandemic.

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said it was inevitable there would be positive cases, and the disruption is likely to be a feature of school life for a while to come. But, he added that the highest reported attendance during the pandemic was a “remarkable achievement by schools” who have introduced a range of safety measures.