DORCAN Academy may partially close to some year groups before the end of the week because of staff self-isolating.

Headteacher Sherryl Bareham has cancelled all planned school trips and events as well as postponing the Year 10 preliminary examinations and the next two parents' evenings.

In a letter to parents seen by the Adver, Ms Bareham offered reassurance and outlined contingency plans that may be put in place if the school decides to partially or fully close.

She said: "In the current climate, we are continuing to follow the advice from the government about dealing with the Coronavirus and keeping the school open.

"However, it is likely to become increasingly difficult to do so with staff now self-isolating due to their own symptoms or that of their family. We are already seeing that quite a number of students have been affected.

"It may be that we will need to partially close the school to some year groups before the end of the week in order to be able to continue to offer a safe provision.

"In this case, if possible, we will make the decision the day before and post the arrangements on our website or, if it is necessary to close on the day due to high levels of staff absence, we will remain open for part of the day and send students home at break or lunchtime, or when it is safe to do so.

"We will prioritise lessons for Year 11 and 10 and if possible, a class in each year group to accommodate students where parents work in the emergency services.

"Due to the large number of students who are now absent, it is not possible to send home individual work packs for them to complete. However, we are making plans to ensure that if and when the school fully closes, work is set for all students via Showmyhomework. Some work has already been posted.

"Therefore, it is really important that if your child is not able to access this site that you let us know as soon as possible. Work packs will be prepared for students without internet access or computers.

"In the meantime, students can revise the information in their Knowledge organisers which contain key learning from each lesson and do plenty of reading. Students should also be able to access their Office 365 e-mails online.

"We have made the decision to postpone the Year 10 preliminary examinations. These will be moved into the summer term. We have also postponed the next two parents’ evenings and all trips and events have been cancelled until further notice, including the French trip. Separate details will be sent to all those concerned.

"In the event of closure, we are planning to continue to provide free school lunches for those that are eligible. It is likely that the meal will be in the form of a food parcel to take away and make yourself, or a cold lunch.

"These are unprecedented times and I know that many of you will be concerned about the situation. Please rest assured that we will do everything in our power to ensure students are safe and can continue accessing their learning, and to minimise the disruption for examination groups.

"It is a learning curve for us as a staff as we all have to think about how we can best deliver our classes online, but we are educators and so used to having to learn new things all the time.

"We do hope that you and your family stay safe at this very difficult time and wish you all the best over the coming days. Please continue to watch our website and facebook for updates."