GOVERNORS at a faith school insist it is 'business as usual' after two headteachers were drafted in to help when members of the senior leadership team absented themselves.

Chris Metcalfe, headteacher of Cockerton CE Primary School, in Darlington, has been taken ill, with no indication of when he will return.

The sudden absence of Mr Metcalfe follows the departure of an acting deputy headteacher, who was working at Cockerton during the absence of the regular deputy headteacher – a Mrs Metcalfe, who is on maternity leave.

Senior teachers from other faith schools in Darlington have been drafted in to help fill the void left by the departures.

On Tuesday (November 19), a letter was sent to 'advise and update' parents and guardians of youngsters at the 206-pupil school.

In it, the school's chairwoman of governors, Jackie Murray, wrote: "Governors have secured support from two outstanding Darlington CE Schools, St John’s and St George’s, while our headteacher is on sickness leave.

"Christine Large, headteacher of St John’s has taken on the role of acting headteacher, with support from Janine Gleeson, headteacher of St George’s, to ensure that we continue with our vision of providing an outstanding education.”

It is understood the two women will work at Cockerton in addition to their other commitments.

Ms Murray announced the departure of the acting deputy headteacher – whose return to her own school was followed swiftly by Mr Metcalfe's absence – in an announcement on the school's website last week.

She wrote: "Mrs Taylor has returned to her home school in Crook. This after she helped us achieve a great outcome in the recent inspection.

"We give thanks for all her effort and support and know you will join us in wishing well in her future."

On Tuesday, The Northern Echo's calls to the school were referred to the Diocese of Durham.

Another governor added: "The school is running as normal. There is a fantastic staff and the school and the children are fine."

Darlington Borough Council, the local education authority for non-academy schools, declined to comment on Mr Metcalfe's absence.

An inspection by education watchdog Ofsted last month found the school had improved since an earlier visit.

Overall, the school was rated as 'good', with with outstanding features including leadership and management and the behaviour of pupils.

In its report, published on October 29, Ofsted wrote: "All leaders, including governors, are determined to ensure the very highest achievement for all pupils.

"All who work in the school share these high aspirations.

"As a result, the school has improved rapidly since the previous inspection."