Second Hartlepool primary school forced to close temporarily due to Covid-related staff absences

St Aidan’s Church of England Memorial Primary School, in Loyalty Road, has contacted parents and carers on Tuesday, July 6, to inform them the school will close as of home time for the rest of the week.

It is due to reopen on Monday, July 12.

An email to parents from headteacher Lynn Chambers states: “Staff absence due to Covid-related isolations means there will not be sufficient senior staff in school to open after today.

"We anticipate this will be the case until next Monday, when the majority of staff currently absent will, we hope, be released from isolation.

"If circumstances change we will of course notify you immediately.”

A number of children are also said to be awaiting the results of Covid tests carried out on Tuesday.

Pupils will be taught online in the intervening period.

Ms Chambers added: “We are very sorry we have had to take this decision but the safety of our children and staff in school must take priority.”

Last week, Ward Jackson Church of England Primary School, in Clark Street, closed temporarily after 15 staff absences.

Around half of classes are due to return on Wednesday, July 7. Those allowed back are Tugboats reception and nursery, Sepia class in Year 3 and Blanchland class in Year 6.

Some staff members have returned although others are still affected by issues around self-isolation.

All other Ward Jackson classes are due to return on Monday, July 12.

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