A PRIMARY school has been forced to close until after half term due to "short staffing caused by coronavirus".

St Bartholomew's CE Primary School has warned parents not to bring their children in, as it closes its doors today until after the break.

The closure comes just days after it was revealed that two pupils tested positive for the virus.

The first case was confirmed on Sunday before parents were told that a second pupil had tested positive for the virus "in the same bubble" on Monday.

As a result, year 4 and year 3 parents were told to isolate their children for 14 days.

Headteacher Katie Blood of St Bartholomew’s Primary School said: “Our school is closing temporarily today following members of our school community testing positive for Covid-19 and the knock-on effect of self-isolation as required by public health guidance.

“This has led to a staffing issue with too few staff available to keep the school open safely.

"The school is due to reopen on Monday 2 November for pupils who are not self-isolating. 

"Due to half term, this means the school will be closed for very few unplanned days.

“Our priority is the wellbeing of staff and pupils. We will continue to follow all the latest Public Health England and local public health advice during the pandemic for the good of all in our school community.”

An announcement on the school's website said visits to the school will be limited as a result of the virus.

It read: "Due to the current pandemic restrictions, visits to the school will be limited this year but please do take a look at our website and our YouTube channel to get a flavour of what it like to be part of the St. Bartholomew’s CE Primary School community.

"We hate not being able to welcome people into our warmly inclusive school."