Coronavirus in Scotland: Third of pupils at Lasswade High miss school on Thursday

Midlothian Council has confirmed that Lasswade High School had 460 pupils absent on Thursday, with around 160 self-isolating.

The remainder of missing pupils were either absent due to non-Covid related sickness, or through parents choosing to keep their children off.

In the letter from Lothian NHS Board to parents notifying them of a ‘small number of confirmed cases’, parents were informed those children who have come into contact with the virus must stay home for 10 days.

The letter continued: “We understand this is a very worrying time for parents and carers. We wish to reassure you that Lothian Health protection team have carried out a detailed risk assessment with the school management team in line with national guidance and great care is taken to ensure all those who may qualify as a close contact are contacted and advised to self-isolate.

Around 160 pupils at Lasswade High School are currently self-isolating.

“Enhanced cleaning measures and all other appropriate infection control measures are already in place in the school in line with national guidance. The school remains open and if your child has not been identified as a close contact then they should continue to attend school if they remain well.

"Please be assured the safety of pupils and staff is paramount and we would not ask you to continue to send your child to school were it not safe to do so.

“The measures your school has in place are necessary to protect children, staff and you as parents/carers. We must continue to work together and support the school staff in making the school as safe as possible, even if this feels difficult at times.”

Lasswade High School has around 1,500 pupils enrolled.

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