RAF team helps staff carry out Covid testing at school near Peterborough

Bourne Grammar School is ensuring the safety of its vulnerable children, the children of key workers, and its teaching staff with a rigorous coronavirus testing programme.

The team from RAF Wittering arrived last week to provide guidance and feedback on the school’s testing process.

For the headteacher, Mr Alastair Anderson, the arrival of the team from RAF Wittering was welcome.

He said: “We’re delighted to have an RAF support team on site to assist us with developing a high-quality testing programme – their input will be invaluable in keeping our staff and students safe.”

School staff and the team from RAF Wittering assembled in a carefully marked out area as the first students arrived for testing. Students were carefully taken through each stage of the testing procedure, with the RAF team offering guidance to make the process as secure as possible.

The RAF team was from No 2 Mechanical Transport Squadron, part of the RAF’s A4 Force. Comprised principally of specialist engineering and logistics squadrons, the A4 Force also includes RAF Music Services and the RAF Mountain Rescue Service.

Senior Aircraftman Kayleigh Coleman (27) is a driver with No 2 Mechanical Transport Squadron, based at RAF Wittering.

Kayleigh said: “It was weird heading back to school, but helping the teachers and students get their testing process off to a good start was great. We’re helping to keep people safe, which is so important now.”

A grammar school has existed in Bourne since the 15th century, although the current school was founded in 1636. Ten students were tested for Coronavirus as school staff carefully advanced through each stage of the process, working with the RAF team to ensure maximum effectiveness and safety.

The team leader from RAF Wittering was Corporal Anthony Burnham-Bamford (39). He said: “It’s been good. We’ve not come to dictate; we’re bringing our expertise to assist the school.”

Both regular and reserve personnel from RAF Wittering have been involved with Coronavirus testing and have played a material role in the government’s response to the pandemic, including the delivery of oxygen to hospitals.

Group Captain Jo Lincoln is the Station Commander at RAF Wittering and Commanding Officer of the A4 Force Elements.

She said: “I am proud that personnel from RAF Wittering are helping our local community to keep their students and teachers safe during the pandemic.

“Assisting our local community in this way could help save lives, and it’s an honour that my personnel have been called upon to assist.”