HEART of Worcestershire College has closed its Bromsgrove campus due to the coronavirus outbreak - but its Redditch buildings will remain open for children of key workers.

The college's Bromsgrove branch on Slideslow Drive closed at on Friday but the Peakman and Archer buildings in Redditch and the All Saints campus in Worcester will stay open.

Bromsgrove-based students who meet the criteria of being 'vulnerable' or having a parent or guardian who is a key worker can continue to study but must travel to Redditch to do so, via the college's inter-campus bus service.

Other students will be expected to continue their learning online.

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A college statement, issued on Thursday, said: "Following last night’s statement issued by the Secretary of State for Education we will be closing to the majority of our students on Friday, March 20 at 4.30pm.

"As of Monday, March 23, 2020, all face to face classes will be suspended and the college will be partially closed.

"We will however continue to open a limited number of our buildings to support those students who the government have identified as being within a priority group.

"Currently, the priority group is identified as a child of a key worker (i.e. NHS staff, police and delivery drivers) and young people who have a social worker or an education, health and care plan.

"Those students who are identified in a priority group will have access to learning centres and cafeteria facilities, as well as some support staff.

"The buildings that will be open to these students are All Saints’ building in Worcester; Peakman and Archer buildings in Redditch.

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"Bromsgrove Campus will be closed; however, we will maintain the inter-campus bus service to enable learners from Bromsgrove to travel to Redditch to study.

"The majority of our students will be able to continue their learning online.

"The College buildings that remain open will open from Monday-Friday from 8.30am-5pm (4.30pm on Fridays).

"As previously planned the College will be closed to all students for two weeks during the Easter holidays."

The college hopes to open again following the Easter break in April but admits is cannot say when, or if, that will happen.

The statement added: "We will consider if we can recommence face to face teaching of theory, workshop and practical sessions during the second week of the Easter break, when we expect to have more information from the government.

"It will be at this point that we will be in a position to tell you how we plan to progress.

"Please can we ask that all students check emails and the college website regularly for any updates and changes to the current situation."