Parents of Robert Burns Academy pupils say they are receiving track and trace letters "every other day" as another video has emerged showing overcrowding at the new super school.

A video of Robert Burns Academy pupils at finishing time on Monday, November 23, shows a pack of students leaving via the old Cumnock Academy site, causing fears around social distancing.

It follows last week’s reports of overcrowding at Lochnorris PS which forms part of the super-school.

The scene has sparked further anxiety among parents, with one parent denouncing it as an “absolute joke”, particularly as “every other day there is a track and trace letter being sent out”.

Earlier this month, an outbreak of coronavirus was confirmed at the Robert Burns Academy.

Health bosses assured they were working to take every measure to protect pupils and staff at the new school.

The parent said: “I am getting really angry that the school are not having the proper social distancing procedures in place.

“That’s another track and trace letter out via Parentpay ten minutes ago so there is another positive case. It’s very worrying.

“The Lochnorris pick up and drop off is much better but you’re having to walk through crowds of academy children in the morning to access the primary which isn’t great. 

“I am growing deeply concerned about the academy though. Every other day there is a track and trace letter being sent out.

“If they can’t manage social distancing then the school should be closed.”

READ MORE: Pupils at East Ayrshire primary school told to self-isolate after positive case

In a letter issued to parents and carers at Robert Burns Academy, dated Monday, November 23, Joint Directors of Public Health Dr Joy Tomlinson and Mrs Lynne McNiven wrote: “NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Health Protection Team is conducting a contact tracing exercise in relation to a confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.

“The risk to pupils is very low.

“Close contacts are being contacted by the NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Test and Protect Team and told to self-isolate at home for 14 days.

“If your child is contacted by our Test and Protect Team to let them know they are a close contact of somebody with COVID-19, they do not need a test, but must isolate for 14 days.

“If you are not contacted by our Test and Protect Team, this means that your child has not been identified as a contact and therefore is not at increased risk.

“We appreciate this is a very worrying time. However, we would like to assure you that every measure is being taken to protect pupils, their families and staff.”

READ MORE: Doon Academy hit with coronavirus outbreak

One parent, whose children attend both Lochnorris PS and Robert Burns Academy, said: “The school and its staff are and have been fantastic and are making the best of a bad situation.

“It's a new school and of course there will be issues but they really have been fantastic.

“I think this is a symptom of the larger issue of having the schools in. Okay, teens aren't as affected but it's all about transmission. The primary and nursery are kept in their own bubbles but the secondary – the playground is a free for all.

“Students hugging and huddling around looking at phones. It’s really crazy.”

The parent continued: “I’m 100 per cent sure the school is doing everything within its power to curb the spread. However, if I had the testicular fortitude to do so I would absolutely take my kids out of school today.

“The problems are where its power ends, the school gates, and you cannot separate kids in the playground, infringing on their rights and the rights of your staff who would lose their break to monitor them.

“This idea that young adults will be responsible about a virus they can’t see and won’t affect them is naive and dangerous.”

On the overcrowding at Lochnorris PS last week, another parent explained: “It was quite shocking. I’ve never experienced anxiety or panic attacks in my life but that was far too much.

“Everyone was bumping into each other. I would say only about 50 per cent of people were wearing masks.

“My wee boy’s got autism and he can’t handle crowds, especially when people are talking and shouting, and people were starting to get agitated and raising their voices.

“I tried speaking to the school and they said wait until the crowds calm down.

“Something’s got to be done.”

READ MORE: Contact tracing underway at Logan Primary School after coronavirus case

A Spokesperson for East Ayrshire Council said: “The Barony Campus has robust measures in place to manage the arrival and departure of pupils from all schools based within the Campus. 

“Parents and carers of Lochnorris pupils have a clear walking route through the Campus from the bridge area to the school. Lochnorris parents and carers who arrive before The Robert Burns Academy bell at 8.45am will encounter small groups of secondary pupils.

“This has been monitored closely by staff and the secondary pupils have been very well behaved, showing consideration to others. 

“This issue has not been raised as a matter of concern by parents and carers during either drop off or pick up.

“The Council would ask that parents and carers raise any concerns with their Head Teacher in the first instance so that they can be addressed quickly and effectively.”