TWYNHAM School students have been asked to work from home, following an increase in Covid cases among staff.

In a letter to parents, Executive Headteacher Jy Taylor said positive case numbers in students remain relatively stable, however, the school 'continues to struggle' with increasing positive cases in its teaching staff.

As a result the school is taking additional measures to mitigate the impact of its reduced staffing levels.

Mr Taylor said: "From next week (Monday 13th December) we will be asking one year group to work remotely each day.

"These will not be “live” lessons because their teaching staff will be required to cover the lessons of absent colleagues. All work will be set on the class MS Team.

"Governors, the CEO and the school leadership team have not taken this decision lightly but, unfortunately we have no alternative.

"As a result of rules related to self-isolation we can be certain that a number of staff will not return to the classroom this side of the Christmas break.

"Our experience over the last week would suggest it would be reasonable to expect more staff to test positive in the coming days."

As a result, students will be expected to work remotely on the following days: Monday 13th December – Year 9 Tuesday 14th December – Year 8 Wednesday 15th December – Year 10 Thursday 16th December – Year 7 Friday 17th December – Year 12 and Year 13

Mr Taylor wants to reassure parents that the school has exhausted all other available options.

He said: "We have been utilising agency staff for a number of weeks and there are no longer any further agency staff available.

"Whilst we are able to collapse classes together on occasions this is not sustainable or possible each day as a result of the limited number of large spaces available at school."

The Executive Headteacher has asked that parents keep an eye out for communication from the school as they will be writing again, regarding testing in the first week back after Christmas.