CALLINGTON Community College is to close for three days after two additional staff members tested positive for Covid-19, , the school has confirmed.

The school will be closed from Monday to Wednesday and a decision taken on Wednesday afternoon whether to open on Thursday and Friday.

One teacher tested positive for the virus last week and two over the weekend. A further five members of staff are self-isolating plus a number of students who have been within a two metre distance of the staff who are affected.

Headteacher Wendy Ainsworth said in an email to parents late this afternoon: ‘Owing to the significance of staffing levels being depleted and its associated difficulties with being able to deliver a quality curriculum and ensure we can safeguard all students and a strong commitment to the health and well-being of all I have made the decision to close the college to all students from Monday, November 16 to Wednesday, November 18.

‘We will review our availability to open on Thursday and Friday following a review of staff availability and I will advise on Wednesday afternoon.

‘This was not an easy decision to make and I am hugely mindful of the difficulties this may present to some families and I do not underestimate the increased worry and concern that this will cause. I feel that this is my safest course of action, given the shortfall in staffing and my desire to keep our college community safe.

‘During this time, only those children individually contacted should self-isolate this week and family members are not required to additionally isolate. This is precaution only and they have been advised to seek testing only if they develop symptoms.

‘Whilst the college is closed, students will continue to receive their learning remotely. This may be in the form of a ‘live’ lesson. Our availability to do this depends on many factors, including whether staff have small children of their own at home. More details will be sent out on this, together with the expectations and protocols with live lessons.

‘For families in receipt of free school meals, we are able to offer a controlled collection of a meal from our canteen. This will be a cold packed lunch and can be ordered via email. Please email [email protected] if you wish to order and arrange collection. Meals cannot be prepared without advanced notice.’