Ashton Community Science College closed to Year groups 7,8,10 and 11 today

Ashton Community Science College (formerly Ashton-on-Ribble High School) in Aldwych Drive says it will open only for its Year 9 pupils today due to a shortage of staff.

A notification sent to parents yesterday evening said: "School is closed to all year groups EXCEPT Year 9 tomorrow, due to staff shortages.

"Apologies for the short notice and any inconvenience caused."

It is understood that a member of cleaning staff at the school has tested positive for COVID-19, with other staff now self-isolating as a result.

Speaking to the Post this morning, headteacher Sharon Asquith said a shortage of cleaners meant the school could not safely open all of its classrooms.

Miss Asquith said: "We have a shortfall in cleaning provision. We have closed parts of the school completely and opened what we have the capacity to clean, thereby making sure we still provide a Covid safe environment.

"All other students who have been asked to work from home have live lesson delivery via Microsoft Teams."

The cleaners who are available have been working since 5.30am this morning to ensure the classrooms are safe for Year 9's.

It is understood that next week, the school will allow just one year group to attend each day, to reduce the risk of infection before the Christmas holidays.

Parents are likely to be contacted later today to inform them which days each Year group are expected to attend school next week.

New cases of coronavirus are a particular concern for school staff and parents who are looking forward to celebrating a "normal" Christmas with restrictions on family gatherings relaxed between December 23 and 27.

But with just 14 days to go until Christmas, anyone who tests positive from today - as well as those they live with - would have to self-isolate until after Christmas Day.

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