SCHOOLS in Coventry have started to close some classes as staffing pressures increase due to the coronavirus pandemic.
With staff at some schools in isolation to prevent the spread of coronavirus, classes have been halted.
One school, the West Coventry Academy in Tile Hill, said today (March 18) years 7, 8 and 9 should stay at home.
It added pupils in years 10, 11, and sixth form should continue to attend until advice changes.
It comes as the education secretary Gavin Williamson is set to make a statement on schools opening at 5pm today.
The West Coventry Academy said: “Unfortunately, staff and student absence continues to rise and we will need to amend the partial closure.
“Based on current teacher numbers, years 7 – 9 are to stay at home. Years 10 – 13 are to come into school as usual.”
“For those students in Y7-Y9 in receipt of free school meals, a packed lunch will be available for collection from the school reception on Thursday 19th March between 11:30 and 12pm.”
Coventry Music Service has suspended all rehearsals of groups, but instruments teaching will continue in schools until a government decision.
Inter-school sports fixtures in Coventry have also been cancelled.