Coronavirus: Several schools in West Norfolk partially closed over staff shortages

A number of schools in West Norfolk are closed or partially closed today over staff shortages in response to the coronavirus.

Some of the schools have said their ability to stay open has been affected after the latest government guidance on Covid-19.

The following are the schools in our area that we know are currently affected by Covid-19:

• Downham Market Academy and Athena Sixth Form College – partial closure. The school says following government guidance, resulting in staff shortages, it is not able to continue to teach all students. As of today (March 18) the academy and sixth form college will only be partially open, but in some instances it "may not be possible for students to attend like-for-like lessons but our dedicated staff have planned different ways to maintain lessons and also support absent colleagues". They have said the dates years groups should attend the academy are as follows:
• 18 – 20 March = 7, 8, 11 & 13
• 23 & 24 March = 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13
• 25 – 27 March = 7, 8, 11 & 13
• 30 – 31 March = 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13
• 1 – 3 April = 7, 8, 11 & 13
• For more information, visit the school's Facebook page.

• Fakenham Junior School – partial closure due to staff shortages. The school has said it is closed to pupils in 5R from today (March 18) until further notice. They will be in touch about home learning as soon as possible.
• Gayton Church of England Primary Academy –partial closure due to staff shortages. Closed to Early Years Foundation Stage only at this moment in time.
• Gooderstone Church of England Primary Academy – closed due to staff shortages. The school will review this weekly.
• Middleton Church of England Primary Academy – partial closure due to staff shortages. Closed to Early Years Foundation Stage pupils only at present.
• Whitefriars Church of England Primary Academy – closed. The school says due to most recent government guidance it can "no longer provide safe staffing levels". It will be shut from today (March 18) until "such a time as it is safe to re-open".