A Wiltshire school is asking some pupils to work from home due to Covid-related staff absences.
Abbeyfield School in Chippenham has announced that two year groups will have to stay home on Wednesday (30 March) and Thursday (31 March).
It comes as headteacher Nick Norgrove confirms the school is struggling with a “very high rate of staff absence”.
He said the absences related to Covid positive tests and Covid-related childcare issues.
“We are expecting our staffing levels to be under increased pressure of the next couple of days which means it will not be possible to provide to cover necessary”, Mr Norgrove wrote in a letter to parents.
On Wednesday, Year 9 pupils will be required to work from home. On Thursday, it will be Year 8 pupils who do not need to attend school as usual.
Mr Norgrove added: “These two-year groups are likely to be most severely affected by staff absence of the next two days, and this is why they have been asked to work from.
“Work will be provided on Show My Homework by their teachers, and the expectation is that this work is completed fully.”
Other schools, including Melksham Oak Community School and St Joseph’s College in Swindon, have similar staffing issues – with some year groups completing work at home.
