Oldham school remains shut for second day

Royton & Crompton Academy remains shut to all but Year 11 pupils this week

Royton & Crompton Academy closed its doors yesterday (9th March) after an individual within the Academy tested positive for coronavirus.

On a statement on the website, they said that the school was going to be deep cleaned while it was shut after consulting with Public Health England. 

The headteacher, Andrea Atkinson, has announced on the website that they have taken the decision to close for a second day.

It'll be open to Year 11 pupils tomorrow, and the reaminder of the students will be welcomed back on Monday.

The statement said:

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support of the academy – it is greatly appreciated. I am now writing to update you on arrangements at the academy for the remainder of this week.

"Whilst we had hoped to open to all students tomorrow following a deep clean of the site, we have taken the decision to stagger returns to the academy over this and next week. This is so that a complete and thorough clean of the academy site can take place whilst teaching for year groups who are due to sit exams in the near future can continue.

"A specialist cleaning company will carry out a deep clean of the De-Vinchi building and the Magellan building on Tuesday 10 March 2020. This so that Year 11 students, a group that will soon be sitting their GCSE exams, can return to the academy for lessons on Wednesday 11 March. We are therefore prioritising student-teacher time for this year group in particular.

"I would like to reassure parents and carers that Year 11 students will only use parts of the academy that have been thoroughly cleaned by professionals. We therefore expect all Year 11 students to return to the academy on Wednesday.

Students that are not at school this week will be sent homework online so they don't fall behind. 

"A deep clean of the rest of the academy site will continue during the remainder of this week so that all students can return to the academy on Monday 16 March 2020.

"We have been working closely with Public Health England officials who have advised that if any of our students or staff show any symptoms of the virus which include fever, cough and difficulty breathing, they should call NHS 111 for advice.

"Our number one priority is the wellbeing of our students and staff. We believe that these actions, which go above and beyond the recommendations made to us by Public Health England, have minimised the risk to our students, staff and the wider academy community."

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.