Two schools in Tidworth have announced that they will remain closed tomorrow due to insufficient staffing levels.
It comes as teachers fear working in classrooms puts them at risk of catching COVID-19, with many invoking their rights under Section 44 of the Employment Rights Act 1996, stating they feel it is unsafe to teach a class of children.
Executive Headteacher, Mrs Addis, said: “I am sorry to have to write to you with such short notice for tomorrow morning but the Trust CEO and I have come to the very difficult decision that Wellington Lions and Wellington Eagles Primary Academy will be unable to open tomorrow.
“As you are no doubt aware, there has been a lot of speculation regarding the safety of primary schools to reopen and trade unions have advised staff to invoke their rights under section 44 of the employment at work act, stating that it is unsafe to be in school with a class of children. Therefore, I have insufficient staffing levels to open either school to pupils tomorrow.
“I envisage being able to open to children of keyworkers and vulnerable pupils on Tuesday 5th January and if you believe you are in this category, please complete the google form that will be sent out tomorrow to request a place for your child.
“All other pupils will begin remote learning on Tuesday 5th January and information regarding this will be emailed out tomorrow, along with information about FSM provision, so please ensure you check your inbox.
“While I do not have a definite timescale for how long both schools will be closed, I believe that unions have advised staff that remote learning should continue until the next review of data in 2 weeks time. I will keep you up to date with any further developments as regularly as possible.”
