SOME children at St Clere's School in Stanford-le-Hope will be taking lessons at home because the school is struggling to cope with the impact of Covid-19 on its staffing resources.

Parents and carers of pupils in some classes in year nine have been told by the school that their children should stay at home and log in for lessons online. At this point this is for tomorrow (Wednesday, 18 November) only. Other classes may join a rotation system for schooling from home.

Head Ashlie Hughes has contacted parents and carers saying: "I am writing to inform you that, we have a considerable number of staff who are off work with various Covid-related symptoms as well as track and trace instructions.

"In addition, we have some staff and pupils isolating.

"It is not advised to bring in external supply teachers, which could break the 'bubbles' and could increase the risk of the virus being bought into the building from other schools.

"We have therefore decided to support some classes through on-line learning at home on a daily rotation, this way it will alleviate pressure on staffing with minimum impact on pupils. Pupils in classes 9A1, 9A2, 9A3 and 9A4 should stay at home and log into their lessons via TEAMS for tomorrow (18 November) only.

"If your child does not have this access at home, please email your child's Head of Year on the email addresses below so alternative tasks can be emailed.

"We have worked hard to ensure all pupils can attend every day this half term but we are following sound advice for this decision and we look forward to your child returning on Thursday, 19 November, when possibly other classes will be learning at home."