Sir Robert Pattinson Academy in North Hykeham has been forced to close until next year after the school said a parent failed to isolate their children despite a positive COVID-19 test within the home.
This caused a major problem and after spending several days at the school, two of the pupils tested positive. That had already led to hundreds of the school’s students being kept at home, but on Monday, December 14 a staff member also tested positive.
In a letter to parents/carers on Monday, headteacher Dale Hardy said the case of the staff member, who remains asymptomatic, “is directly attributable to the recent cases over the weekend after a detailed contact tracing exercise”.
He said it became clear many other members of staff and students might be affected, so the school will close at the end of Monday until January 4.
Parents have been advised that they may collect their children from the academy site throughout the day. Any who cannot be collected during the day can be kept at school and will travel home by bus as usual.
He said: “The circumstances that have occurred at the academy serve as a timely reminder to parents about the importance of taking appropriate action when their children show symptoms or come into contact with COVID.
“One case alone, due to not informing and not isolating, has forced the Academy to send hundreds of other pupils home. The effect had been devastating on the numbers of pupils that had already been told to stay away.”
He added: “It is clear that the number of affected students and staff make it untenable to keep the Academy open this week.
“This decision has not been taken lightly. I have tried, against the odds, to remain open in line with the government guidelines but events of the past few days have overtaken us.”
He added that the online curriculum for all year groups is already in place via the school website for this week and the school will contact parents/carers about additional remote learning opportunities.
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.