SCHOOLS in Solihull have started to close classes due to staff ‘staying at home’ during the coronavirus pandemic.
One school, Arden Academy in Knowle, is closing from tomorrow (March 19) until the end of the Easter holiday.
In a statement, associate head Mr Warwood said: “Due to increasing staff absences brought about by recommended Coronavirus related isolations, we have taken the decision to close school to students in Years 8,9,10 and 12 from tomorrow, Wednesday 18th March 2020.
“For students in Years 7,11 and 13, they should attend school as usual tomorrow, but school will be closed to them from Thursday 19th March 2020.”
Solihull School, an independent school, also closed today until further notice.
Lode Heath School closed to some year groups today (March 18).
Head Laura Suddon said: “Students in years 8, 9 and 10 – should remain at home on Wednesday 18 March 2020.
“We will be setting work for them and they should complete this and return it.” She added pupils in years 7 and 11 should continue to attend school.“
The government continues to advise against school closures during the coronavirus pandemic, for now.
A spokeswoman for Solihull Council told the Observer: “Due to current circumstances, a small number of our schools have partially closed to some year groups, with some of those schools planning full closures later this week.
“Heads are informing us of these closures before they take place and we are reporting this information daily to the Department for Education.
“The schools are telling us that the main reason for having to close is staff shortages following the Government’s advice on ‘social distancing’ on Monday.
“In line with national guidance, staff are self-isolating if they are pregnant, have underlying health issues or if someone in their home is showing symptoms of COVID-19.
“Parents and carers are being informed by their school directly if their school is affected and parents/carers should check on their school website for up to date information.”
Other schools have made radical changes to their school day. Ulverley Junior School has stopped all trips and assemblies, and the Solihull inter-school sport league is cancelled.
Coppice Junior School said it could not provide toast at breaks due to a shortage of bread, and peripatetic music lessons have been cancelled at 13 schools across the borough.
