S1-S3 pupils at Nairn Academy sent home from school after mass staff sickness forces cancellation of classes; Highland Council said 10 per cent of staff were ill and urged parents to check its website for updates; school liaising with Stagecoach over bus services for rural pupils
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PUPILS at a Nairn school have been sent home after an unprecedented number of teachers phoned in sick this morning.
Nairn Academy made the decision after it found it was unable to provide classroom cover for its pupils on Monday, and decided to focus attention on pupils sitting exams.
Youngsters from S1, S2 and S3 were told to go home at 9.45am. Parents are likely to be updated later today when the school will be re-opened.
A bus service was being discussed to take pupils home to rural areas.
A message on Nairn Academy's Facebook page said: "Due to unprecedented staff absences through illness we will be sending S1-S3 pupils home at the end of period 1 at 9.45am.
"If your child needs to remain in school please contact the school office as soon as possible.
"We are currently looking with Stagecoach to arrange uplift of rural pupils. Further updates to follow."
A spokeswoman for Highland Council said: “Under devolved school management, Nairn Academy is partially closed today to all S1 to S3 pupils today due to staff sickness.
"There are 14 staff off work which comprises more than 10 per cent of the school workforce. Buses are collecting rural pupils at present in S1 to S3 to be sent home. Remaining teaching staff will focus on senior classes in the run up to pre-lims.
"The school management will review the position tomorrow, parents and carers and pupils should check the school’s Facebook page and Highland schools closures website www.highland.gov.uk/schoolclosures tomorrow morning.”
