Bridlington secondary schools shut to most students as nearly a third of teachers self isolate due to coronavirus

Both Bridlington's secondary schools have had to shut to most students because nearly a third of teachers are self-isolating because of coronavirus.
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As of today (Tuesday), only students in Years 11 to 13 will be able to attend Headlands School and Bridlington School.

The partial closures are currently planned to be in force until Monday, March 30 but the schools have warned that this may change.

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Both schools have posted the same message to parents from their head teachers - Sarah Bone at Headlands School and Sarah Pashley at Bridlington School.

Headlands School in Bridlington. Picture: JPI Media/ Paul AtkinsonHeadlands School in Bridlington. Picture: JPI Media/ Paul Atkinson
Headlands School in Bridlington. Picture: JPI Media/ Paul Atkinson

It says: "Unfortunately in light of the Government's announcement tonight, the Senior Team and I have had to make the difficult decision to partially close Headlands School until Monday, March 30 (this is subject to change).

"This is a decision we have had to make based on our ability to operate safe teaching staffing levels.

"This is because, as of 7pm this evening, 30 per cent of our teaching workforce have had to self-isolate due to either displaying the symptoms of coronavirus or they have a family member who they live with displaying the symptoms.

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"This decision has been made to allow staff to self-isolate for the new Government recommended time period of 14 days.

"Headlands School will continue to remain open to students in years 11 and 13 until further notice."

She added that steps are being taken to ensure children still receive their free school meals.

Children entitled to free school meals who are not displaying any coronavirus symptoms, nor have any family members displaying the symptoms, will be able to collect a "grab bag meal" from the school's main reception area between 12.30pm and 1pm.

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Children who are entitled to free school meals who are displaying coronavirus symptoms or have a family member displaying the symptoms can also still receive a free school meal, if parents notify the school by 10am.

The lunch will be dropped off outside children's homes and a post card put through the letter box to let people know it is there.

"As both a Head Teacher and a parent of two young children, I sincerely appreciate these are very uncertain and deeply worrying times," she said.

"If, as parents, we are able to maintain some sort of "normal" school routines and encourage our children to undertake the classwork set by teachers, keeping our children busy and focused should help to reduce both their potential boredom and their anxiety levels."

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