Pupils sent home over lack of staff

All pupils at the Norton Knatchbull School are staying home until after Christmas due to Covid-related staff absences.

The Hythe Road grammar school site closed last week, with only vulnerable pupils and the children of key workers going in.

Head teacher Ben Greene said: “This has been a difficult decision to make, however, this is a necessary step as the staffing situation mitigates against the safe operation of the school.

“The impact of the pandemic beyond positive diagnoses has now started to have a significant impact upon our staff.

“We have a significant number of staff who have been directed to self-isolate due to potential exposure they may have had both in and out of school.

“As a result we have almost a third of our staff absent.”

Mr Greene said “some cases” had been confirmed in Year 7 and the school’s Year 8 group has just returned from its own two- week remote-studying period.

This week, Years 7 and 11 at Homewood in Tenterden were also sent home after positive coronavirus tests.

Head teacher Jeremy Single said: “Unfortunately, we have had confirmed cases of Covid19 within our Year 7 and Year 11 bubbles.

“My colleagues and I are following Public Health England (PHE) guidance to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone within the school community, and, as a result, Year 7 and Year 11 pupils will be self-isolating at home for a 10-day period.

“Home learning will be provided via Google Classroom and staff will support pupils with their learning remotely.

“The rest of the school remains open to students who are not required to self-isolate with staff and pupils continuing to follow PHE guidance in terms of social distancing, handwashing and cleaning to minimise the spread of the virus and ensure everyone can continue to learn and work in a safe environment.

“I would like to once again thank everyone as part of the Homewood School community for their continued support and understanding during these challenging times.”

Last week Highworth Grammar School, The John Wallis Academy and Furley Park Primary Academy in Ashford all sent home students after Covid19 outbreaks.

Highworth confirmed that its Year 12 group was studying from home until the end of term, their last day on site being last Wednesday.

Knatchbull head Ben Greene