A SCHOOL has introduced thermal imaging temperature checks for pupils and visitors as part of measures to make it ‘covid-secure’.

Cumberland School in Rivington has installed a camera system, which uses cutting-edge technology to check the temperature of its pupils, staff and visitors as they enter the school ­— as a high temperature is one of the indicators that someone has the virus.

The Bolton News:

School bosses say the new technology will help to improve ‘safety’ at the school during the pandemic, as anyone with a temperature will be told not to enter. They will be asked to follow Government guidelines about having suspected coronavirus.

The thermal imaging is just one of a number of measures introduced. Staff have access to PPE and additional handwashing stations have been installed.

Cumberland School provides support to children with special educational needs.

Headteacher Chris Newiss said: "The pupils at Cumberland School have done incredibly well adapting to the challenging times we are living through.

“One adaption has been taking their temperatures with our new thermal camera on arrival each morning, which has been particularly popular.

“Pupils are really happy that we are keeping them safe and keen to check their temperature each morning before coming into the building.”

The Bolton News:

During lockdown, as well as teaching children, the school has provided free food parcels and food vouchers to families who have needed them.

Phil Jones, chief executive of Witherslack Group, which runs the school, said: “The safety and wellbeing of our pupils and staff are of paramount importance to us. The recent installation of thermal imaging cameras to detect any person arriving at a Witherslack Group school with a fever represents a further example of our commitment to providing learning environments that are not only innovative and productive, but above all are safe places to work and learn. Our decision to introduce this new technology has provided great comfort to staff, young people, parents and carers alike.’

Julie Taylor, director of education for the school, added: “The cameras have been well received by parents and carers who have been complimentary.”