A BOSCOMBE junior school will be closed on January 5, it has confirmed.

Bethany CE Junior School, in Knole Road, Boscombe, has announced it will close to all pupils, except those of key workers.

A statement on the schools’ website said: “Please not from Tuesday, January 5, school will be closed to all pupils except vulnerable children and those whose parents are key workers.

“You will receive a text message on Monday, January 4 by 12.30pm if this includes your child.

“If you do not receive a message and believe your child should be invited to attend school, please email the school via bethany@coastalpartnership.co.uk.”

A letter sent from headteacher Mr Woodward read: "I regret to have to inform you that Bethany CE Junior School will be closed to all pupils (except vulnerable children and children of ‘key workers’) from Tuesday January 5.

“This is due to the continued spread of coronavirus in the community. The number of staff unable to come to work is so high that it is no longer possible to safely open the school to all pupils.

“Those children identified as ‘vulnerable’ or whose parents are identified as ‘key workers’ should continue to come to school as usual.

“All other children will undertake remote learning. The detailed arrangements for remote learning will be sent to parents separately shortly after this letter.

“I am sorry to have to inconvenience our families in this way but I’m afraid it really is not possible to safely run the school with such low staffing levels.

“At this stage, it is not possible to state exactly when pupils will be able to return. I will review this situation on a daily basis, along with closely watching how things take shape nationally, and I will ensure that parents are kept up to date.”