A primary school has closed almost a week earlier than planned because of the impact of Covid on staff. With only nine classroom-based staff left at St Edward's RC School in Oldham, leaders have taken the decision to close for Christmas today, Thursday, and move lessons online.
Children will now learn remotely until their final day of term next Wednesday. In a letter sent to parents on Wednesday, headteacher Patrick McMahon said: "Following the recent correspondence I have had with you all regarding the situation with positive cases among the staff, the situation has continued to worsen. "Tomorrow, we will only have 9 classroom-based staff who are able to work, with supply making up the shortfall to ensure that we are able to open. "Howev