Derbyshire school closed for over a week due to ‘extensive staff shortages’ amid pandemic

A Derbyshire school is currently closed due to ‘extensive staff shortages’ amid the coronavirus pandemic.
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All pupils at Tibshelf Community School have been told to access lessons online until Monday, November 23.

The news comes just over a week after the school announced the death of one of its pupils.

Tibshelf Community School on Doe Hill Lane, Tibshelf.Tibshelf Community School on Doe Hill Lane, Tibshelf.
Tibshelf Community School on Doe Hill Lane, Tibshelf.
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A parent, who wanted to remain anonymous, said recent events were having a ‘severe’ impact on pupils at the school and the wider community.

Referring to the temporary closure, Tibshelf Community School headteacher Michael Pollard said: “While we do not have a direct Covid outbreak at Tibshelf Community School, we have a considerable number of staff – both teaching and support staff – who are off work with various Covid-related symptoms as well as track and trace instructions – from external contacts – to self-isolate.

“This ultimately means that we have found ourselves in a position where there are too few staff available to teach, support and supervise children in school.

“While we have made every effort to bring in external supply teachers, this has not been ideal and presents its own risks, however, supply agencies are now not able to meet the demands of school for supply staff.

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“Therefore, regretfully, I have made the decision that from Thursday, November 12, the school building at Tibshelf Community School will be closed due to extensive staff shortages as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

“The school building will reopen on Monday, November 23.

“During this time all learning will take place remotely online.”

He added: “My utmost priority has to be the health and safety of the staff, the students and the whole community.”

News about the pupil’s death was revealed by Mr Pollard in a letter to parents dated November 9.

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He said: “I am writing to let you know about the very sad death of one of our pupils over the weekend.

“My colleagues and myself are devastated by this news and are in contact with the pupil’s family to offer any support we can.”

Mr Pollard did not provide any more information about the circumstances surrounding the pupil’s death.

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