By Daniel Wood
Update: Schools across the UK are to close indefinitely, with A-level and GCSE exams cancelled, as announced by the government.
Teacher Self Isolations caused by the Coronavirus outbreak have made some school across Kirklees close.
Some schools and colleges across Kirklees have announced partial closures.
The primary reason is due to staffing shortages caused by self-isolation from the Coronavirus.
Government have advised that efforts had been made for places of education to stay open, but lack of staff have forced this issue and school chiefs have been forced to act.
The following schools will be partially closed:
Heckmondwike Grammar will be closed to school years 9 and 12 from tomorrow. This will last until at least the end of the week but could be extended.
Other year groups will operate as normal, for the time being.
Honley High School will close to year 8 and 9 students from tomorrow “due to widespread staff and self-isolation in relation to coronavirus”.
The statement adds that the school “can no longer continue to operate safely for all students”.
Paddock Junior, Infant and Nursery School has closed its nursery to 2-to-3-year-olds and 3-to-5-year olds as a result of “significant numbers of staff self-isolating due to Coronavirus”.
All Saints Catholic College will close to school years 8, 9 and 10 from tomorrow. Students in years 7 and 11 are advised to attend school as normal.
Westborough High School has also announced a partial closure due to being unable to assign staff to the full timetable.
The school will be open for years 7 and 11 only from tomorrow and the situation “is being reviewed on a daily basis”.
In a letter to parents, Westborough headteacher Jennifer Napper said: “I know this will be a worrying time for you and your family and what happens at school will have a direct impact on you and your day to day life.
“The Westborough values of kindness, respect and honesty have never been more important.
“This is a time of national crisis but together we can, and will, get through this.”
Royds Hall Academy has also announced a partial closure although details are yet to be released.
Kirklees College, Greenhead College and Huddersfield New College have all announced they will be closed and stay closed until 20 April.
In a message from Principle at Kirklees College, Marie Gilluley, said: “We continue to follow the latest Government guidance in relation to Coronavirus.
“However due to reduced staff availability as of 8 am on Wednesday 18 March 2020, normal course timetables will be suspended”.
Kirklees College holds over 13,000 students across full-time study, apprenticeships and part-time courses.
Greenhead College holds 2300 students. Their principle, Simon Lett, said in a statement: “Departments will be providing work for students to do and we will be providing them with all the essential information they need for the next couple of weeks.
“After tomorrow’s date, the College is currently due to re-open to students on Monday, April 20.
“However, as this is a constantly evolving situation, please check your email and our website regularly, as this is how we will communicate further information with you.
“This is a very unique situation for Greenhead College. Although it remains a time of uncertainty, we are committed to supporting our students during these very difficult and anxious times. I very much appreciate your support during this anxious time.”