A SPECIAL school is facing a staffing crisis as it is having to make last minute class cancellations amid staff absences.

In total, 15 members of staff were absent at Lexden Springs School, in Winstree Road, Stanway, on Wednesday after testing positive for Covid-19.

It meant some of the children with special educational needs and disabilities had to be sent home just 20 minutes before a class started, when many parents had already gone to work.

Headteacher Simon Wall says he has to prioritise the health and safety of the pupils and staff while making the difficult decision to send pupils home.

He explained due to the school catering for youngsters with special needs and disabilities, they require a high staff to pupil ratio in order to carry out learning safely.

Gazette: Head teacher - Simon WallHead teacher - Simon Wall

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Mr Wall said: “We completely empathise with the frustrations it causes families by having to close classes and especially at such short notice.

“We are doing all we can with the resources available to us, including using agency/cover staff and re-deploying staff to other classes and areas.

“Unfortunately, like many local schools, we are continuing to experience very high numbers of Covid in the school.

“The ratios of the remaining staff to pupils have not been safe enough to allow staff to carry out transitions, personal care or teaching for the pupils for the whole day, hence the need to close class at short notice.

“We are very sorry for the rapid closure of the room and inconvenience caused but ultimately the health and safety of the pupils and staff must come first.”

Ian Hestletine’s son, Zachary, who is severely autistic attends the school.

Mr Hestletine said Zachary was sent home for being in a room where a Covid positive contact had been.

Mr Hestletine, of Bishop Road, Shrub End, Colchester, said he feels the issue is happening “too regularly” and has called on the school to give more notice to parents.

He said: “I understand the school has got to be careful, but 20 minutes’ notice is unacceptable. My wife and I are self-employed and can’t keep cancelling work to pick Zachary up.

“It is putting so much pressure and stress on us.”