Whole year group bubble collapsed at Leeds West Academy due to staff self-isolation

In a letter sent to parents, acting principal Daniel Whieldon said the "difficult decision" had been made to collapse the year 9 bubble from Thursday to an estimated date of October 3.

Pupils will be required to learn independently at home during this period but this does not include vulnerable year 9 pupils, who can continue to attend the Rodley school.

Mr Whieldon said a number of staff were self-isolating as a precautionary measure, due to members of their household showing symptoms.

Others cannot attend work due to childcare responsibilities, where their child's school has closed or their school bubble has been collapsed.

One staff member tested positive for Covid-19, it was confirmed on Monday, after becoming symptomatic on Monday September 14.

The staff member did not return to the school after becoming symptomatic and a deep clean was undertaken in the appropriate areas of the academy following the positive case.

The issues have led to a staff shortage at the school and Mr Whieldon said the decision had been taken to collapse the year 9 bubble to avoid a full closure of the academy.

Mr Whieldon said: "Parents are likely to question why the decision has been taken to collapse Year 9, rather than any other year group.

"Whilst we would prefer to have all of our community together on site at all times we are confident that the majority of our Year 9 students can independently and successfully access our online learning package and continue to engage with their studies.

"Those who cannot, will be supported to do so. We have also considered the importance of prioritising those year groups who are closest to their final examinations and the age of students, and the likelihood that they will require childcare, in order to minimise the impact of this decision on parents’ ability to continue to work."

The year 9 students are not required to self-isolate and Mr Whieldon said the school will do "all it can" to return the year group back to school before the estimated date of October 3, if staff are able to end their self-isolation periods or secure negative test results earlier.

Mr Whieldon added: "It is important to recognise that due to the reasoning behind the collapse of the year group bubble, this means that the students should remain at home to continue their learning, however they are not required to self-isolate.

"We would ask that students are not present at the academy site at the end of the school day so we can ensure a safe exit for our other year groups.

"A further communication regarding remote learning will follow shortly and form tutors will be in touch over the next two days to offer their support to our students.

"Please be reassured that the academy continues to be Covid secure for all other year groups who should continue to attend."

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