Schools facing uncertainty amid concerns over coronavirus outbreak
Schools across the Black Country are taking extra measures to protect their staff and students amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Wood Green Academy in Wednesbury is one of the latest schools to close its doors to pupils to minimise the risk of spreading the virus.
The school and sixth form centre has made the decision to close to year 7, year 8 and year 9 pupils from Tuesday and offer remote learning alternatives.
Mr James Topham, headteacher, said: "Due to new government guidance where all families have to self-isolate if someone is showing symptoms our staff numbers have been depleted.
"Those who have external exams coming up are still coming into school at the moment and we are using methods of remote learning for those self-isolating.
"The measures will be in place for the foreseeable future, but we also want to reassure the students and keep some normality.
"We did not make this decision lightly, it was made on the grounds of health and safety and we need to make sure we have enough staff to look after the students.
Walton High School in Stafford is also preparing alternative learning arrangements as the number of staff self isolating has risen to 13.
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Mr Neil Finlay, headteacher, said: "We are able to cover classes today but, clearly, we will not be able to cope easily with further staff absences.
"There are a number of steps that I can take before moving to a full school closure, primarily asking certain year groups to stay at home on a rotation basis. I don’t need to take that decision yet but I fear that I will have to shortly.
"In the event of a full closure, we will continue to operate a skeleton staff in school.
"There will be three teams, operating on a rotation, one led by me, and the other two led by my Deputy Heads, Dr Rowley and Mr Fletcher. These teams will supervise children of emergency service and NHS workers if required; they will pick up and respond to emails concerning work that has been set or log on issues and they will endeavour to keep channels of communication with parents open."
New Invention Junior School in Willenhall remains closed following a confirmed case at the school on Monday.
The school remains closed this week and intends to re-open on Monday, March 23.
New Invention Junior School headteacher, Alan Pearson, said: "As a precautionary measure, due to the fact that we have one confirmed case of Coronavirus affecting the school, we have decided to close the school in order to conduct a deep clean of the premises.
"I’d like to reiterate that good hygiene is the best prevention for the spread of viruses and there are some simple steps you can take to protect you and your family. Washing your hands regularly and thoroughly and if you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and bin it.
On Monday, Hateley Heath Primary School in West Bromwich closed after its business manager was diagnosed with coronavirus, however the school reopened on Tuesday and has no plans to close again.
Other schools across the Black Country are taking various measures to try and limit the spread.
Wombourne High School has announced new guidelines for the next three weeks including closing the school's reception to all visitors and conducting all meetings over the phone.
In a letter to parents and carers of pupils at the school headteacher, Dr Gemma Smith, outlined new guidelines to protect staff and students for the next three weeks.
Upcoming parents evenings have also been postponed until after the Easter break, sporting fixtures and trips will be cancelled and all external lettings of school facilities will also be cancelled.
Headteacher, Dr Gemma Smith said: "These measures are not intended to cause any panic but are simply to minimise the risk of infection.
"The focus over the next three weeks is the smooth running of the school. It is important that we continue to put the education of our students as a high priority."
The school on Ounsdale Road does have contingency plans in place to ensure education can continue at home should the school need to close.
A number of other schools have began uploading lessons online for students who are self-isolating to limit the amount of learning time missed by being absent from school.
Pupils, parents, carers and staff are being advised to follow current guidance from Public Health England and the Department for Education if they are feeling unwell.
