Two Banbury area secondary schools partially close due to coronavirus outbreak

Chenderit School in Middleton Cheney has closed the school for students in years 8 and 9 from tomorrow (Thursday March 19) until further notice.

The school posted a notice to the public on its website, http://www.chenderit.northants.sch.uk/ .

Jane Cartwright, the headteacher at Chenderit School, released the following statement: "We regret that we find ourselves in the position of partial closure (i.e. to Y8 and Y9 students only, from tomorrow, Thursday 19th March).

"However we understand that the government’s current directive is an important one: everyone, including our staff, must self-isolate if they are part of a vulnerable group or if either they or their family members are displaying any of the symptoms outlined by GOV UK. Staff needing to self-isolate means we cannot remain open to all students at the current time

"We have planned for this eventuality, and shall now set work for Y8 and Y9 students remotely, via ‘Show My Homework’.

"Our staff will post tasks to be completed at home (classwork) and homework daily, following the normal school timetable. We hope that parents will ensure that their children continue with their learning at home until further notice. Staff will be monitoring and assessing work that is submitted online

"I hope that our community understands the decision I have taken and I urge all parents, carers and staff to continue to follow the Chief Medical Officer’s current advice around self-isolation. I do not expect any student to be in school who demonstrates any of the outlined symptoms, which are:

• A new continuous cough and/or

• High temperature

"If students have these symptoms, they should stay at home and not leave their house for seven days from when their symptoms started. In addition, anyone living with someone who is self-isolating should stay at home for at least 14 days to avoid spreading the infection outside of the home.

"These are challenging times for us all but I am determined that everyone in our Chenderit community should show themselves at their best.

"Over and above all the work that is set, I encourage all students to use the time away from school constructively and to think of others in the community around them: be considerate; think of others; keep in contact with your friends, family, and particularly with older relatives, so that no one suffers the effects of loneliness.

"Time alone can be difficult for some individuals, but can also be a great opportunity for students to practise their musical skills or to perfect their understanding of tricky concepts they have encountered.

"Reading for pleasure can have a massive positive affect on well-being and academic attainment- this is the perfect time for students to pick up that novel and lose themselves in a great story.

"Read, read, read! Periods of isolation can be frustrating, and we are all sure to encounter our own challenges each and every day. It is important that, during these difficult times, we each step up and become that light that others can follow and be inspired by.

"Chenderit students regularly impress and amaze me, and I am sure they will continue to do so during this new, demanding period ahead. Chenderit students in Y8 and Y9: this is your chance to shine, by keeping our school ethos in mind: “Aim high. Work hard. Be nice.”

The Warriner School has also partially closed to year 9 students, but will remain open to all other students from today (Wednesday March 18).

Work in core subjects for The Warriner School students will be set via Show My Homework for Year 9 students, by 10.30am.

The Warriner School is an 11-18 school in Bloxham.