A WORCESTER primary school will stay completely closed tomorrow (Tuesday) and shut to all children bar those of key workers for two weeks.

Red Hill Primary School, Midhurst Close, Worcester, announced the decision had been taken with staff numbers low “due to sickness, self-isolation or through following union advice” in an emailed letter to parents. 

It comes on the back of nationwide safety concerns over the reopening of schools following the Christmas break as Covid-19 infection rates skyrocket.

Worcestershire is now recording its worst overall rates with numbers rising across the county and something akin to a national lockdown, including the closure of schools, anticipated when prime minister Boris Johnson addresses the nation on television at 8pm tonight.

Schools are still expected to be open for the children of key workers but Red Hill will only make that provision available from Wednesday (January 6).

The letter to parents, co-signed by head Spencer Morris and chair of governors Kevin Ruff, read: “Due to our staff numbers being significantly reduced due to sickness, self-isolation or through following union advice, school will be closed to all pupils on Tuesday January 5.

“We are sorry for the short notice of this school closure and any inconvenience it may cause.

“Red Hill will only reopen to those eligible, such as key workers, from Wednesday January 6. These families will be contacted via email tomorrow.

“These arrangements will be in place until at least Friday January 15. We will update you if there are any changes to this.

“Red Hill will move over to remote learning from Wednesday January 6 for all classes.

“RAP Club has also been cancelled until further notice. Once again, we are sorry for the short notice and the inconvenience this will cause our families.

“This decision has not been taken lightly, but it is simply not safe to open Red Hill with such limited staff numbers.

“As always, the welfare of our children, families and staff are our paramount concern.”

It is currently the only school listed as closed on the Worcestershire County Council website.