Kirklees schools could be closed for 'up to four months' because of coronavirus

Schools in Kirklees and the UK could soon close, and they may not re-open for up to FOUR months.
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A source within Kirklees Council said the authority is preparing for the unprecedented shutdown following back channel advice from Whitehall.

The individual, who did not wish to be named, said: “The assumption is that schools will be closing at some point and maybe for a three to four-month shutdown.

“It’s not going to be a half-measures job.

Schools in Kirklees could be closed for four monthsSchools in Kirklees could be closed for four months
Schools in Kirklees could be closed for four months
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“And that’s not a council decision. That’s what national Government are saying privately to Kirklees.”

The source added: “Viability will become an issue for some schools.

“What we are finding is that increasing numbers of staff are not coming in. It’s happening almost by stealth – a drip-drip basis – as people self-isolate.

“Many may decide to throw in the towel sooner rather than later.”

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Council staff in Kirklees will focus on delivering essential services such as adult social care, children’s services and bin collections as the coronavirus outbreak takes hold.

The authority is set to cancel all non-urgent meetings including its regular full council meeting, due to be held tomorrow evening (MARCH 18) in Huddersfield Town Hall.

The source said: “Where meetings are business critical they will continue. Things that are non-urgent will be cancelled.

“We have had a number cancelled already.

“The council is going to be shrinking and focusing its activity on core business and the coronavirus.

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“Core business is number one. Making sure we deliver adult social care, children’s services and our regular bin collections is paramount.

“There will be a lot of focus on that.

“Some staff are already home-working to an extent but it’s now becoming more formalised.

“It’s a rapidly-changing situation.”

Council Leader Clr Shabir Pandor said it was possible that the authority “might see an impact on staffing levels” in the coming weeks.

He added: “If a large number of our staff have to self-isolate, we have business continuity plans that will see us prioritise our essential services.

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“This would mean us moving staff from other parts of the organisation to support the services that absolutely have to continue no matter what.

“This includes doing everything we can to continue to deliver the care and support our elderly and most vulnerable residents rely on and deserve.

“We’re also working closely with all of our headteachers to make sure the impact on the education of our children is kept to a minimum and that pupils and staff are safe.”