Coronavirus: Latest list of Sunderland school closures as staffing levels drop due to self-isolation

There have been no confirmed cases of coronavirus linked to any school in Sunderland.

However, members of staff have been self-isolating in a bid to stop the spread of the virus, in line with government guidelines.

On Monday, March 16, Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the public that anyone who is showing symptoms of persistent coughing or a high temperature should self-isolate.

Now some schools are struggling to put on lessons as teachers and other staff, as well as some pupils, are having to self-isolate.

Here’s a list of partial closures to schools linked to the coronavirus pandemic (this will be updated whenever details change):

Sandhill View Academy – partially closed

The Grindon Lane-based school will only be open to Year 7 and Year 11 students, as well as students whose parents work in frontline services and SEN students who have no adult supervision at home from Thursday, March 19.

A spokesman for the school said: “Students in years 8, 9 and 10 will need to study at home, following the arrangements that have been set up in the past few weeks by our teaching team, following their usual timetable where possible.

“Students entitled to a free school meal can collect a packed lunch from the school reception between 11.00am and 12.30pm.

“This is not a school holiday and no students should be seen outside during the school hours of 8.30am and 3.35pm.”

Academy 360 – partially closed

Academy 360 announced on Tuesday that the school would partially closing due to an increasing number of households that are self-isolating which has had an impact on the schooling team's ability to deliver lessons.

The Pennywell-based school said: "It is with disappointment that we have taken the decision to partially close Academy 360.

"Our school will remain open to Y5, Y6 and Y10, Y11 only. There continues to be no confirmed cases of Coronavirus at Academy 360."

Barmston Village Primary School – partially closed

Posting on social media, the school has confirmed that both the nursery and reception class is closed from Wednesday, March 18.

A spokesman said: “Unfortunately due to staff absence we are closing both nursery and reception from today. Years 1 to 6 will carry on as normal for now.”

Hetton School – will open with changes

In a letter to parents, Hetton School announced on Wednesday that it is ‘likely’ to have to implement a partial closure due to staffing levels.

However, Headteacher Craig Knowles has now confirmed the school will remain open to all years on Thursday, March 19.

He said: “We understand the challenges that even a partial school closure would cause parents, and so we will endeavour to stay open for all fit and well students, for as long as our staffing situation allows.”

Students will be given a personalised template during tutor time to ensure all students get a mixture of core subjects, creative/technical subjects and practical PE.

The school has asked that all Year 7, 8, 9 & 10 students come to school in their PE kit or, if they are not comfortable doing this, then they must carry it with them in their school bag.

Durham Johnston – partial closure

The school, in Durham City Centre, will be closed to Year 9 and 10 students on Thursday, March 19.

Headteacher Andrew O'Sullivan said: “As a consequence of our current issues with staffing and the need to prioritise key year groups, we are closing the school for Years 9 and 10 as of Thursday March 19.

“We have selected Years 9 and 10 to be absent tomorrow so as to ease the childcare burden on families with younger children for as long as possible and to minimise the disruption to older students who are preparing for exams.”

Whitburn Church of England Academy - closed for a minimum of 14 days

In a letter to parents, principal John Crowe said: “This is very much unchartered territory for us all and I do not want our students, parents and carers to worry unnecessarily.

“We have ensured that our students will not be disadvantaged and will continue to have access to learning materials and educational resources.

“Students must continue to have good learning routines on the days that they are not at school and complete all of the work set by their teachers.”

Year 11 students studying Geography are due to be issued with their Paper 3 pre-release tomorrow; this will still go ahead. Year 11 Geographers – who will need to sign for their prerelease – should go in school between 12-1pm tomorrow, Thursday, March 19.

Year 13 students ONLY will also be allowed to attend the Sixth Form block at this time (12-1pm) to empty lockers. No other students should be on site at this time.

Parents’ evenings, class trips, after school clubs and events

A number of schools have in the Sunderland area have cancelled parents evening, class trips and events.

Both before school and after school clubs have also be cancelled.

Check with your child’s school for updates on this.