TWO primary schools in Poole are unable to fully reopen today after teaching union members were advised it was unsafe to work in full classes, school leaders have said.

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Sancreed Road is open to children of key workers and vulnerable pupils from today, January 4.

Meanwhile, St Mary's Catholic Primary School in Devon Road is open to all children foundation stage, Year 2 and Year 6, as well as key worker and vulnerable pupils in other years.

Joint letter from the respective schools headteachers Neil McDermott and Helen Armstrong and Zoe Batten, CEO of academy trust Plymouth CAST, were sent out to parents on January 3.

The letters said: "As you area aware, we are at a critical stage of the Covid-19 pandemic with infection and hospitalisation rates increasing. Consequently, the largest teaching union, the NEU, and UNISON have advised its members that it is currently unsafe for them to return to working teaching full classes."

The letters said that remote learning will be provided to all children not in school.

"Plymouth CAST officers and school leaders are working closely with school-based staff; trade unions; local authorities and government agencies to ensure that disruption to our children's education is kept to an absolute minimum," the letters said.

"We are sorry for the inconvenience and concern that the current turn of events has caused for our parents, carers and families, and look forward to a return to normality as soon as possible."