THE nursery at Lainesmead Primary School will close for the rest of the term due to lack of available staff.

From Wednesday, little ones will not be allowed to use the nursery until after the term ends on April 3.

Precautions have been put in place for pupils and staff at the primary school, too.

In a letter to parents seen by the Adver, headteacher Eirian Painter wrote: "We stated in our previous letter that, should insufficient staffing levels be reached, this would necessitate closure.

"We have now reached this point for the nursery and are left no option other than to close.

"I understand that this may be difficult. I have a duty of care to protect children and their families. I also have a duty of care to protect the staff workforce.

"I would rather staff miss school for for a short period than take the virus home and infect vulnerable family members or children in their care.

"Please be assured that no cases of coronavirus have been reported in the nursery or across the school.

"We understand how challenging and worrying the current situation is. Thank you for your patience and support during this difficult period."

Plus, the head advised all pupils and staff with a weakened immune system, long-term respiratory diseases, diabetes, chronic heart disease or neurological conditions to stay at home from Wednesday.

Ms Painter added: "We will only close the school if advised by Public Health England that we should do so or if the government announces blanket closures. However, with the above guidance now in place, staff ratios will be affected.

"I am sure that you can imagine that we are receiving an extremely high number of calls in relation to the emergency situation we are all facing. Please can I reiterate that you must follow the advice given.

"If you are worried - keep your child at home. Parents should make their own decision. Whatever decision you make will have my full support.

"I would rather a child miss school for a short period of time than lose a relative due to cross-contamination. I have a duty of care to protect children and, in a wider sense, their families.

"The staff have been working hard on preparing work to be sent home and the school is prepared for closure. If a child is under self-isolation, there is now a home learning section on the school website, with links to websites for different subjects. More will be added as we are able to."