Hartlepool primary school temporarily closes with 15 staff absent

Ward Jackson Church of England Primary School, in Clark Street, Hartlepool is not now expected to reopen until Wednesday, July 7.

While “there is only positive case in school”, the school says a combination of issues means “that we are unable to safely open school” with 15 staff absent.

Families learned of the temporary closure in a letter distributed on Thursday.

Headteacher David Akers wrote: “Unfortunately due to high levels of staff absence from school we are unable to safely open tomorrow for the children attending Ward Jackson Primary School.

"There is only one positive case in school but the impact of other staff needing to self-isolate, staff needing to look after their own children due to other school bubble closures, family members testing positive and other illness related absence has meant that we are unable to safely open school tomorrow with 15 staff absent.

“School will be closed from tomorrow, Friday 2 July, 2021, until Tuesday, 6 July, 2021. The plan is for school to re-open for children on Wednesday, 7 July, 2021.

“Your children will not need to isolate as they have not had close contact with anyone in school.”

Families have been encouraged to check online portals for work that children can complete while at home.

The letter added: “We apologise for the inconvenience this will cause but the safety of your children has to take priority.”

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