A MUM from Worcester has been left ‘furious’ after her son’s school said they wouldn’t allow him back into the classroom until he tests negative for Covid-19 despite having isolated for 10 days.

Katherine Bussey’s 12-year-old son is in year 8 at Christopher Whitehead Language College in Worcester, and tested positive for coronavirus on December 31.

Katherine, a key worker who works as a mental health nurse for the NHS, said: “He came down with symptoms and I took him for a test which was positive.

“I kept him off for ten days isolating at home, and I knew that the school were doing testing.

“Knowing he was going to test positive I didn’t know what the school would do, so I contacted the deputy head and explained if they tested him he would test positive and is likely to do so for between 30 and 90 days after having symptoms."

People can test positive for the virus up to 90 days after developing symptoms, even if they are not infectious.

“I was told he wouldn’t be allowed back into the school until he returned a negative test and I was furious," said Katherine. 

NHS guidance states that a child who had Covid-19 can return to school after 10 days, once they feel better, and if they are fever-free for at least 48 hours. They can return even if they have loss of smell or taste, as these symptoms can last for several weeks once the infection is gone.

A Department for Education spokeswoman, said: “Schools should not request evidence of negative test results or other medical evidence before admitting children or welcoming them back after a period of self-isolation.”

David Farmer, deputy headteacher of Christopher Whitehead, said: “I have been in touch with Ms Bussey and as per government guidelines we are testing every child that comes into school.

“Any child that tests positive won’t be allowed into the school until they return a negative test. We have provided lateral flow tests for Ms Bussey to take away. I have spoken to the local authority team yesterday morning and they have said that if a child is testing positive then they can’t be in school.

“All we can do is ask the local health authority who are telling us if you have a child who has tested positive then they shouldn’t be in school. The person I spoke to has gone to seek further council on it and it’s being regarded as a query."

Katherine is recovering from Covid-19, so is looking after her son at home, who tested positive again after a test yesterday.