Pupils to return to Dundee school after virus outbreak

A Covid-hit additional support needs school will reopen on a full-time basis later this month.

Kingspark School in Dundee closed almost three weeks ago, following an outbreak of the virus.

It will reopen full-time on Monday, September 21, more than a month after Dundee City Council and NHS Tayside took the decision to shut the school.

Forty positive cases have been identified in connection to the school, including 23 staff, three pupils and 14 community contacts.

Staff and pupils were advised by public health officials to self-isolate for 14 days, with last Wednesday, September 2, being the final day of that period.

With staff having returned and pupils set to arrive for inductions later this week, Kingspark reopened on a phased basis on Monday, September 7.

From Monday, September 14, a part-time timetable will be in operation, before a full-time return for pupils a week later.

Paul Clancy, the council’s executive director of children and families services, said: “I would like to thank families for their patience during what has been a very anxious time for them. We want to assure them that every effort has been made to enable the safe reopening of the school.

“The council is taking a gradual approach because the safety of pupils, staff and everyone working in connection with the school is paramount. Safe staffing numbers need to be ensured in Kingspark at all times.

“Everyone connected with the school is determined to learn lessons from the outbreak as we go forward.”