School closed to two whole year groups due to number of staff self-isolating because of coronavirus cases

Seaham High School has told students in its Year 7 and Year 8 group bubbles to keep away this week because of the number of workers who are having to remain at home due after receiving a positive test within the school or through people they have had contact with elsewhere.

Lessons for those years have been moved online via Google from today, Monday, November 16, and those children which had already been isolating have been told to continue to remain at home.

It remains open to Years 9, 10 and 11, with efforts being made to support vulnerable students and the children of key workers as well as those who receive free school meals.

Headteacher Geoff Lumsdon told the Echo: “We are very sorry, but due to the number of staff self-isolating, we don’t really have a choice.

"We are trying to do a good job for our children and they have remote learning and the staff who are self-isolating are busy teaching live lessons to the school where possible.

"We are making sure children don’t miss out and we are doing everything we can to help in this situation.”

In a letter to families, Mr Lumsdon said: “I apologise for this situation but feel in the interests of safety I have to reduce the numbers of students in school given the shortage of staff.

"Year 7 and Year 8 will re-open on Monday, November 23, to all students who have not been advised to self isolate.”

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