Staff and Students Sent Home as a Precaution Over Coronavirus

---

Ashcroft Academy had organised half-term ski-trip to northern Italy

Ashcroft Academy. Picture: Google Streetview

A school in Putney is believed to have sent home more than 20 staff and students after a half-term ski-trip to Northern Italy, as a precautionary measure against the spread of coronavirus.

The Wandsworth Times has reported that Ashcroft Technology Academy emailed parents and guardians of students on Monday, 25 February.

A letter from the school Principal read, “In the updated advice for all travellers, the Foreign Office asks that anyone who has recently returned from the north of Italy must self-quarantine for a period of 14 days.

“Therefore, and as a precautionary measure, I have taken the decision to send home the three members of staff who led the recent ski trip to Italy and the 22 students who took part in the trip.

“I asked all Academy staff to see me if they had visited the north of Italy during the half term.

“One member of staff had and they have also been sent home to self-quarantine for 14 days.”

The letter, which was written by principal Douglas Mitchell, also addressed concerns relating to upcoming exams.

He said because of the “inconvenience” of self-isolation, this was not a course of action he “would ordinarily” choose to take.

“However, given the guidance from the Foreign Office, and in order to maintain the safety and well-being of every student and staff member in the Academy, this is the correct decision to take,” he added.

“As a final precaution, all common areas of the Academy and rooms where the staff and students from the ski trip will be deep cleaned so that any concern over catching germs from tables or chairs can be alleviated.”

The Local Democracy Reporting Service has contacted the school for comment.

Sian Bayley - Local Democracy Reporter

February 26, 2020