A NUMBER of staff at a special school in Bolton have tested positive for coronavirus, according to union officials.

Birtenshaw School in Bromley Cross has three members infected with the virus, according to Unison ­— but staff say they have been told five of their colleagues have contacted it.

It is understood the infections were picked up through routine testing for key workers.

Birtenshaw School is run by registered charity Birtenshaw. It has children's homes across Bolton and provides school for young people aged three-19-years-old with special education needs and/or disability.

The Bolton News has been told that staff found out through word of mouth their colleagues had been tested positive for the virus.

In a statement the school failed to reveal how many members of staff have contracted the virus but said "any staff members diagnosed with covid-19 or showing symptoms are advised to self-isolate in accordance with government advice".

Now both Unison and the National Education of Teachers (NEU) say they have had members approach them worried about the situation.

Julia Simpkins, of Bolton NEU, said:"Our members do not know who has tested positive because of GDPR and are in a panic.

"They want to be retested to make sure they are okay.

She added: "I had been told some one had tested positive at the school and was told that there could be more than one."

Ms Simpkins said: "It is just so worrying.

"Staff have raised concerns with their unions, but Birtenshaw refused to speak with union representatives saying that they have chosen not to have a trade union recognition agreement so did not have to engage with unions.

"Most schools seem to have a three week rota, one week in school two weeks at home which means any symptoms should show up before a teacher has to be back in school again. Not at Birtenshaw.

"The staff at Birtenshaw are an amazing group of people. The children they work with are some of our most vulnerable and the dedication and care they show to the children makes Birtenshaw a special place to be."

A member of staff said they had heard it was five cases and had only found out by chance colleagues had tested positive through talking to others.

Ryan Quick, Unison Branch Organiser said: “This is a very anxious and worrying time for all of our members at Birtenshaw. That’s why communication is absolutely vital so we can work together to resolve any issues and concerns. We need openness and transparency on all sides otherwise staff will lose faith that their concerns will be taken seriously. We need to be able to work together for the safety and wellbeing of children and staff alike. Whilst I have been told there are three confirmed cases, it would not surprise me at all if there were more”.

Andrea Egan, Unison Branch Secretary added:“This is a very serious situation.
" We actively encourage our members to come forward to highlight any concerns that they may have.

"We want to remind all employers that they have a duty of care to their workforce, where employers fail in that duty we will take matters further. If necessary this may include legal action."

Julie Barnes, Deputy Chief Executive, Operations, said: "Birtenshaw School takes the health of its employees and pupils very seriously. Risk assessments have been undertaken and multiple measures are in place to prevent the transmission of covid-19 in line with government guidance.

"Birtenshaw has liaised with the Department for Education and Health and Safety Executive and any staff members diagnosed with covid-19 or showing symptoms are advised to self-isolate in accordance with government advice.

" Staff welfare is of paramount importance and we update our employees on an ongoing basis about developments within the school and Covid19 measures. The school has no further comment."

Bolton Council's public health confirmed "advice had been provided to Birtenshaw School" but refused to comment any further.