Is your child's Chichester school open this week?

Under the latest coronavirus guidance, schools in West Sussex are supposed to remain open.

The majority of pupils at Jessie Younghusband School have moved to online learning.

Headteacher Mandy Sadler said the decision came after a 'great deal of soul searching and consideration'.

She said: "This is not a situation anyone in school feels comfortable about and it has been a difficult decision to make. We pride ourselves giving high quality provision for all children as well as our sense of community and support for each other but the safety and well-being of all members of our school community, adults and children, must come first.

"Many parents have been in touch to give their full support to this decision. Some have indicated that they did not feel it was safe for their children to return to school and are pleased that school has responded in this way.

"I am extremely proud of the staff team here. Everyone has shown high levels of commitment and resilience to the on-going situation. Class teachers have worked extremely hard to adjust their teaching and the curriculum throughout the last 10 months.

"The on-going uncertainty is now making it increasingly challenging for everyone, adding to the levels of stress and anxiety staff are experiencing in respect of their own safety and well-being.

A spokesman for St Richard's Catholic Primary School in Cawley Road said: "Because of depleted staff numbers we are unable to have everyone back. We are open for key worker's children and vulnerable children.

"We will be reviewing that on Thursday unless the government makes a u-turn."

The March C of E Primary School in Claypit Lane has been closed today due to a boiler issue but will be reopening 'as usual' from tomorrow.

A spokesman for Westbourne House School confirmed: "The Easter Term will be starting as planned at Westbourne House School in Chichester on Wednesday January 6.

"The school will be open for all pupils from year 6 and below, as well as for key worker children from all year groups. Year 8 will be returning on Monday January 11 and year 7 will be returning on Monday January 18.

"As per government guidelines Westbourne House School is rolling out a lateral flow Covid testing programme which starts with all school staff tomorrow (Tuesday January 5) and will include all year 7 and year 8 pupils when they return to school."

At the Prebendal School in West Street, students are being welcomed back in stages.

A spokesman for the school said: "The Prebendal School is open as usual from Nursery to Year 6.

"In line with guidance, Year 8 will be returning on Monday January 11, and Year 7 will be returning on Monday January 18.

"We are continuing to teach our full timetable, including sport, music, drama and languages, to pupils across the school, although the timetable itself has been adapted to minimise movement around the school. Pupils who are unable to be physically present in school will be accessing live teaching online."

A West Sussex County Council spokesman said: “We are working closely with all schools across West Sussex to support them with their safety measures for re-opening in line with Department for Education guidance, and to support online learning where schools are using it.

“We are aware that some West Sussex primary schools have not been able to open for face to face teaching for all pupils today as scheduled and we are working with them on opening as soon as they can with sufficient staff to ensure that pupils can be managed safely.

“We understand how concerning and frustrating this situation is for pupils, staff and families and we appreciate everyone’s cooperation and understanding.”