Schools in the Wellsway Multi Academy Trust have been badly hit by the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in the West of England area.
As of today, there are 68 Year 11s self-isolating at Wellsway School in Keynsham, along with 16 Years 13s, 36 Year 7s and 96 Year 10s. Chandag Junior School in Keynsham has 55 Year 4s in isolation.
Sir Bernard Lovell Academy at Oldland Common has 109 students in Years 8 and 12 on remote learning.
At another WMAT school, Bedminster Down, 316 students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 11 at are isolating while at Cheddar Grove Primary School in Bedminster, all year groups except reception and nursery are learning at home.
Tonight Gary Schlick, director of education at WMAT, said: “Each time there is a new confirmed case of coronavirus we have detailed discussions with, and follow the advice of, the local health protection team, the Department for Education and Public Health England. This helps us to keep our staff and students safe. The current guidance remains that only those in close contact with confirmed cases need to isolate.
“We are grateful for the support from families and the hard work of our staff, who are determined to deliver the best possible education both to those who are in school and those who are learning remotely.
“Bedminster Down School is extensively trialling live lessons, where students are participating in the actual lesson taking place in the classroom and can even receive feedback from the teacher.
“We have received very positive feedback from parents and are proud of students for the way they are engaging with this new way of learning. This approach will be rolled out across the WMAT secondaries shortly.”
