SICKNESS WOES

Highland secondary school sends kids home after 15 teachers struck down with illness

A HIGHLAND secondary school sent kids home after 15 teachers were struck down with an illness.

Nairn Academy confirmed that S1-S3 pupils will be off today and tomorrow after more than a dozen teachers called in sick - leaving them short-staffed.

And the local council told The Scottish Sun the situation will be reviewed to decide whether the youngsters will return to school as normal on Wednesday.

The school said that the situation was “highly unusual” and thanked the local community for their support.

They told kids that they will still be able to access classwork via their Chromebooks, and said staff will give them work “where possible”.

Nairn Academy wrote on Facebook: “Following the decision to close the school to S1 – S3 pupils today as a result of 15 staff absences through illness we regret to confirm that the school will remain closed tomorrow to S1 – S3 pupils as indications suggest we will be similarly short-staffed.

“S1 – S3 pupils should be able to access classwork through their Chromebooks and, where possible, staff will post additional subject work for completion.

"We very much appreciate that this situation is highly unusual and appreciate the support of the community.

“We will provide further updates tomorrow through Facebook, blog, school closure line and Highland Council School Closure website.”

The statement on social media was echoed by Highland Council.

The school first confirmed the decision to send some kids home this morning due to the “unprecedented” number of absences.

Parents were urged to contact the school if their child could not return home immediately - as they attempted to arrange transport for rural pupils.

They wrote: “Due to unprecedented staff absences through illness we will be sending S1-S3 pupils home at the end of period 1 (9.45).

“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.”