Coronavirus: Peterborough school to shut due to ‘unprecedented’ staff absences

Parents are being told to come and pick their children up from the school at 1.25pm today.

Headteacher Mike Sandeman said: “I am writing to advise that as from 1.25 pm today Arthur Mellows Village College is CLOSED to students until further notice. “This is due to an unprecedented number of staff absences, taking into account the most recent Government advice concerning vulnerable staff who should not be at work. We have asked for our Local Authority bus transport to aim to be on site for 1.25 pm, or as early as possible, to collect students who ordinarily travel by bus. If we hold permission to release other students to make their own way home, we will do so. If permission has not been provided, students will remain on site until they can be collected by parents.

“Eye Bus AM38 - please note this bus will not be available for an earlier pick-up, therefore, students who use this service will need to remain in school until the usual pick-up time of 3.05 pm unless they can be collected by parents.

Year 11 and 13 - we are mindful of impending coursework, revision and examinations for these Year Groups. Tomorrow we are intending to open for Years 11 and 13 ONLY.

“I am sure you will appreciate that we are working within unprecedented circumstances. This is all subject to national guidance and update, therefore, this situation could change.

“Further updates will be provided by email and via the College website. We will endeavour to respond to any questions you might have but please bear with us under the circumstances if a response is delayed.”

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