A GLASGOW primary school has had to call in supply staff to cover lessons as so many teachers are self-isolating with coronavirus symptoms.

It is understood that St Francis' Primary has seven teaching and support staff off work currently with Test and Protect contact tracers working closely with the school.

But parents claim communication from the head teacher has been slow with worried mums who contacted the Glasgow Times keeping their children off school.

One mum, who asked not to be named, said: "I sent my children in to school last week and nothing was mentioned to me - nothing.

"I phoned the school and was told there was nothing to worry about but then we were contacted at 7.30pm on Saturday to tell us that teaching staff were off with coronavirus.

"This started a big worry among all the parents as if there was nothing to worry about then why contact us to tell us about it on a Saturday night.

"If the teachers are contacting coronavirus left, right and centre then what hope do the pupils have?

"Are the teachers properly socially distancing?

"Me, and a lot of other parents, feel we are not being kept in the loop. Our school is riddled with coronavirus so why is it not being closed?"

Glasgow City Council said it is following the advice of public health advisors and it is safe to keep the Gorbals school open.

The letter sent to parents on Saturday evening said it is an "anxious time for our school community".

Signed by the head teacher, it adds: "I’m aware of some rumours circulating on social media that’s not helping our families concerns and I wanted to let you know that we will continue to keep you updated with information that we can to help alleviate these concerns.

As you know, I can’t speak about individuals – staff or pupils – but please be reassured that we will continue to work with our public health colleagues to do everything that we can to keep us all safe and mitigate any risks that we can to help suppress the virus."

Today a second letter has gone out to parents in a further attempt at giving reassurance.

It says there are "enhanced cleaning regimes" in place and that supply teachers and teachers from other local schools are covering classes.

The letter adds: "We will continue to take advice from our public health colleagues.
"Their expert opinion is that the school can remain open and that they are happy with our robust health and safety procedures in the school.

"We don’t want our children’s education to be compromised again and we will continue to make sure that their safety is our top priority."

A Glasgow City Council spokeswoman said: “The school will continue to keep parents and carers updated with information but the school will remain open on the advice of public health experts.”