King Edward VI School in Morpeth partially closed due to unsafe staffing ratios

King Edward VI School in Morpeth has partially closed for the rest of this week.
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Pupils in Years 9 and 10 were told not to come to school on Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20 due to unsafe staffing ratios linked to coronavirus.

The school remains open to students in Years 11, 12 and 13.

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Headteacher Clare Savage, in a letter to parents, said: “As you will be aware further advice was shared by Public Health England regarding self isolation and vulnerable groups. As anticipated, staff absence has increased significantly over the last few days and I do not believe that I can now safely keep the whole school open.

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“It is therefore with great regret that, despite the short notice, the school will not be open for students in Year 9 and Year 10 on Thursday 19 and Friday 20 March. “

For the remainder of the week students in Year 9 and Year 10 are being asked to access work resources for completion at home.

“In the event of further government announcements, from Monday, subject teachers will allocate suitable work for each class via Google Classroom or other subject specific sites,” added Ms Savage. “Teachers will contact class groups directly with a full description of the work set.”

She added: “Whilst we remain partially open I ask that you do not send your child (Year 11, 12 and 13) into school if they, or anyone in the household is displaying symptoms of Covid-19. I would also ask that you take this decision yourself rather than ask us to make a medical judgement.”

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Elsewhere, The Dales School has closed its sites in Blyth and Ashington while there are partial closures at Cambois Primary School, Hexham Priory School and Seaton Sluice First School.

Schools across Northumberland are set to close from Friday, March 20 to all children except those with key workers and the most vulnerable children.Key workers include NHS staff, police and delivery drivers who need to be able to go to work. Vulnerable children include those who have a social worker and those with educational health and care plans.