AT least two more schools in the Bromsgrove district have had suspected cases of coronavirus since pupils returned to the classroom.

The Advertiser understands some pupils and staff at Rigby Hall Special School in Aston Fields as well as Millfields First School, in Swift Close, have been instructed to self-isolate.

Rigby Hall’s headteacher confirmed some students had been displaying Covid symptoms, while Millfields declined to comment directly on the matter.

However, a parent of a child at Millfields told the Advertiser his daughter had been told to self-isolate for 14 days.

The suspected cases come in the same week that we reported the first positive coronavirus case in a school in Worcestershire this term – at Woodrush High School in Wythall.

Of the latest suspected cases, Tracey Smith, headteacher at Rigby Hall, said: “I can confirm we have a small number of pupils absent from school due to a few showing suspected symptoms of Covid.

“The children are currently being tested or waiting for a test and we will continue to monitor the situation. We have no confirmed cases.

“We have implemented our Operations Booklet and followed county guidance with the support of Worcestershire County Council Public Health.

“Staff responded appropriately and families have been very supportive. Due to the nature of our setting, this was the safest action to take.

“We are just waiting for results now so we can bring the children back safely into school.”

Students at most schools only returned to classrooms last week after months of closures – other than for children of key workers – due to the pandemic and lockdown.

Dr Kathryn Cobain, the Director for Public Health for Worcestershire said: “Our schools and educational settings are regularly updated with guidance on the steps to take if a pupil or member of staff has symptoms of Covid-19.

“All schools are following the protocols in place and isolating bubbles where appropriate.

“If you are a parent of a child in any of the schools affected, you will receive information about what to do directly from the school.

“Covid-19 is with us in our communities and it is important we all remember to look after ourselves and others by washing our hands, keeping our distance and wearing face coverings where required.”