SCHOOLS across Essex have ‘partially closed’ and could shut completely amid widespread disruption caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

The government has held off on ordering schools to close, but many are asking certain year groups not to attend because of a staff shortage.

With teachers and staff in self-isolation, headteachers anticipate further partial closures.

Clare French, headteacher at Kendall CoE Primary School, said: “Individual schools will be advising their school’s community at the appropriate time.

“This is because we do not know from one day to the next which of our staff will be affected or calling in to self isolate until the morning they do so.

“Things are changing very rapidly but we are all doing our level best to stay open where it is safe to do so.

“It would not be sensible to second guess the situation in any of our schools as we are making very difficult and individualised decisions on a day to day basis.”

The Colchester School’s Consortium, made up of more than a dozen schools across Colchester, said it may become necessary to fully close schools in the coming weeks.

They said: “Headteachers are working extremely hard to continue to keep schools open in these unprecedented times.

“Many of our staff are affected by the self-isolation policy, in the same way that families are also impacted.

“This means that our headteachers are dealing with higher than usual levels of staff absence at the current time, as per the new guidance.

“With a significant number of staff absent, it may become impossible to continue to run schools as normal.

“It may become necessary for us to partially or fully close schools, even if the government has not made a decision to close all schools.

“Schools will do everything to avoid a full closure, however if staff levels are too low to ensure children are safe, schools will be left with no choice but to consider this option.

“Individual schools will be contacting parents to let them know if current arrangements have to change.

“We are extremely grateful parents are making those difficult decisions before setting off to school, to self-isolate their families when coughs and high temperatures have become apparent.”

Schools are planning to support families who are entitled to free school meals, including handing out food bank vouchers to children in need.

In a letter to parents Neil Gallagher, executive at The Colne Community School and College, called on parents to help the school through “unprecedented” times.

From yesterday, only the school’s Years 7, 8 and 11 will attend the school from 8.40am until 1.30pm.

Years 9 and 10 and college students will remain at home.

Students eligible for free school meals will be able to collect a packed lunch from the school to take home.

“The school will be closing at lunchtime to allow staff to attend, the time to prepare resources for the students not in school and plan for the following day,” said Mr Gallagher.

“At this point, our intention is to rotate the year groups in school so that all children have continuity of education.”

He added: “We are conscious some parents will be medical professionals and will have an incredibly important role to play at this time.

“Please note, we will be able to supervise your children for the morning session regardless of their year group.

“These are unprecedented times and we ask all of our parents to work with us.

“It is very important we keep all our children safe and while we cannot do this if we do not have enough members of staff on site, equally it is important if your child is asked to stay at home, they remain safe and secure indoors.”

Schools in Scotland and Wales are to close from Friday.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson told MPs further decisions on school closures in England are “to be taken imminently”.

Schools operating a partial closure include Clacton County High School, Colchester Academy, Philip Morant and St Helena School.