Colchester schools shut with no return date in sight

Pupils were given the chance to say goodbye to their friends and teachers as schools prepared to invoke the new Government rules that only the parents of designated key workers could send their children in from Monday.

Year Six students were left unaware whether they would ever be back to their primary school.

Exams and assessment for students at secondary schools and sixth form colleges are also up in the air.

Headteacher of St Thomas More’s Catholic Primary School Bridget Harris said there was a feeling of uncertainty around the school.

She said: “It is a national emergency, and, of course, everyone has to do their bit.

“The staff here have been incredible and, if they are able, have continued to provide the education and the childcare so their parents can carry on working.

“They really appreciate what key workers are doing for us and want to repay them if possible.”

Around 30 of the school’s 210 pupils will still be attending because their parents meet Government criteria for them to remain at school.

This includes the most vulnerable children in society, as well as those whose parents work has been designated as key.

As well as emergency services, hospital, protective manufacturing and supermarket staff, some local government roles have been listed, along with journalists, undertakers, charity workers and more.

Mrs Harris, who heads up the school in Priory Street, Colchester, said the age range of pupils who would remain in school made things even more difficult.

She said: “They are going to be aged anywhere between four and 11 so it has its own challenges.

“The other challenge is more and more teachers having to self-isolate so we will be losing them as well.”

Pupils staying at home will be provided with resources to continue with their key skills when they are not in school.

National Education Union spokesman for Colchester and North East Essex Jean Quinn said their members would continue to work hard despite the closures.

“Teachers are professional and caring individuals who are key to the smooth running of education during this crisis,” she said.

“They are working hard to provide home learning and online resources and want to reassure anxious students and parents we are doing are best to provide what we can during this uncertain period.”

Mrs Quinn said the union backed plans for the majority of exam grades to be assessed by teachers but called for more information from the Government on what would happen with GCSEs and A Levels.

“We would like clarity as to what is going to happen for hard working Year 11 and Year 13 students.”

She also said more discussions were needed about what would happen to special schools where all pupils would likely be on a plan which meant they were eligible to continue attending.

Mrs Quinn also called for members who themselves were at greater risk of coronavirus to stay safe.

“It is only right those with underlying health issues, who are pregnant or have to look after family members should not have to be exposed to going into school,” she said.

“They should continue to work from home and contribute from there.

“For those children who continue to attend, I am certain they will be engaged but the curriculum as they know it will be impossible to deliver.

“We genuinely want to work with the Government as to how to move forward.”