Coronavirus: Second Doncaster secondary school announces partial closure over Covid-19 pandemic

A second Doncaster secondary school has announced its partial closure due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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Outwood Academy Danum has told pupils and parents that it will be closed to year 8, 9, 12 and 13 pupils tomorrow as fears grow over the spread of the virus.

Earlier today, McAuley Catholic High School announced its partial closure due to the outbreak.

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A letter sent to parents, seen by the Free Press, said: “We will partially close with effect from 18 March.

Outwood Academy.Outwood Academy.
Outwood Academy.

“The Academy will be closed to students in years 8, 9, 12 and 13.

“We are conscious of exam groups in Year 10 and 11 who are currently sitting mock examinations which is essential in their preparation for the summer examinations and for this reason we must make every effort in ensuring these examinations take place.

“Whilst we equally recognise the importance of Year 12 and 13 examinations, we are conscious of transporting students between sites and want to minimise any unncessary travel or movement between schools.

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“We are also taking into account the effect of closure on our youngest cohort of students and childcare arrangements.”

The school letter adds that children will be taught from home receiving internet based learning for the duration of the closure.

It was not made how long the school would be closed for.

The Armthorpe Road based school is run by the Outwood organisation, which also runs Outwood Adwick Academy at Woodlands. It is not clear at this stage whether the closure will impact on any pupils at that school or whether it too could be closed in the coming days.

Armthorpe’s Southfield Primary School has also been closed for the last two days, but is set to re-open tomorrow after a deep clean.

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The school was shut after a member of staff came into contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case.

Armthorpe Leisure Centre in the village has also been closed for a deep clean after a staff member came into contact with a confirmed coronavirus case.

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