A shortage in teaching staff at a secondary school on Sheppey has forced pupils to stay at home for a week and learn remotely.

Parents and guardians of Year 10 pupils at Oasis Academy, in Minster, received a letter on Friday explaining that remote learning would have to take place for a week starting today (Monday, November 9).

The shortage has been put down to staff members being directed to self isolate by the NHS Track and Trace system.

But in the letter sent out by the school it also said the staff have not been told to self isolate by the school and have not received any positive tests for Covid-19.

The letter, dated Friday, November 6, said: "I am writing to inform you that as from Monday 9th November, Yeah 10 students will be learning from home for one week.

"This is due to the NHS Track and Trace system which has directed a number of staff to self-isolate. This has created a shortage of teachers at the academy.

"Your child's learning will not be affected as staff will be delivering lessons remotely using MS teams."

The school has provided devices to those pupils who who not have access to a laptop or computer at home.

Those children entitled to free school meals were asked by the school to collect a hamper this morning from the academy premises.

The school also confirmed that pupils who did not log onto the learning system for the live lessons throughout the week would be marked absent as they would any normal school day.

All other year groups at the academy are attending lessons as normal.

Year 10 pupils will be able to return on Monday, November 16.

Oasis Academy have been contacted for comment.

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