A decision has been taken to close Mountain Ash Comprehensive School on Monday 2nd of November in order to review the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the school community and assess the level of staff absence. As you will be aware the local community has seen a significant increase in the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases, which has affected both learners and school staff. A review will be undertaken on Monday 2nd November to enable the Council and school to assess the impact of staff absence, due to Covid-19, and plan to open the school for Years 7 and 8 from Tuesday 3rd of November. Distance learning will still be made available for all learners during the period of school closure on Monday 2nd November so your support in ensuring your child’s continuity in learning would be much appreciated during this period.
The Council has developed detailed guidance for schools to ensure the effective prevention and management of Covid-19 cases in schools and to ensure that learners and staff remain safe. The school has put in place a range of measures to effectively manage and mitigate risks, including staggered starts and finishing times, access to sanitisers, use of face coverings on schools buses and communal areas, enhanced cleaning and the maintenance of discrete contact groups. Risk assessments have been undertaken and robust plans implemented to ensure that there are effective control measures put in place to minimise the risk of Covid-19 transmission. Health and safety officers will revisit the school site tomorrow and undertake a review of health and safety measures in the school and to assess whether any additional measures are required.
Please be rest assured that all decisions taken will be made in the best interests of our children and school community. The school will provide a further update on arrangements to open the school on Tuesday 3rd of November by 3pm on Monday, once we have confirmed that there is sufficient staffing in place to open safely for Years 7 and 8.
Gaynor Davies
Director of Education and Inclusion Service