School in Chorley closed after 26 staff members self-isolate because of covid
Parklands High School also says in most classes there are more students isolating than in school.
A school in Chorley has had to revert back to blended home learning after 26 members of staff go into self-isolation because they have either tested positive for covid, or been in close contact with someone who has.
Parklands High School told parents they made the difficult decision to close the school until Monday 12th July after consulting with Public Health and the Local Authority.
They also stated that in most classes "there are more students currently isolating than in school."
The full message to parents
"We have taken the very difficult decision to close school with immediate effect and reopen on Monday 12th July. A review meeting with governors will take place on Sunday 11th July to further discuss the situation and ascertain if reopening is still safe.
"Teachers will revert to blended learning from tomorrow. This will be a mix of live lessons, loom videos , and work posted on Google Classroom. This will result in a better quality of education for all students.
"Please note that the period of school closure is not a holiday; we expect all our students to participate in their online learning.
"All students currently isolating must stick to their isolation dates. This closure does not overrule this.
"The data behind our closure is as follows:
"1. We currently have 23 teachers and 3 teaching assistants who are not in school, as they have tested positive for Covid or are close contacts.
"2. If all students in years 7 to 10 were in school, we would currently have 886 students in total. Currently, we have 230.
"3. In most classes, there are more students currently isolating than in school.
"4. In the past ten days we have had 55 positive cases reported to us. We are still waiting for a number of PCR test results, so the situation will only worsen.
"Thank you for your continued support."