A PRIMARY school has shut its nursery for at least the next two weeks after a member of staff tested positive for Covid-19 at the weekend.

Families of children who attend Easington lane Priamry School, at Houghton-le-Spring, were contacted yesterday to advise them of the closure, which starts from today (Monday, September 7).

Staff who have been on contact with the confirmed case will be tested and have to stay off work for the next fortnight but the school aims to keep all other classes, including its little Legs provision, open.

The closure comes as hundreds of people who attended a charity event at Burnside WMC, in the town, were told to self isolate following 28 cases linked to the venue.

Writing to parents and carers, headteacher Sarah Nordstrom said: “Following our return to school last week, I am informing you that a member of our school Nursery staff has tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend.

“In consultation with our Local Health Protection Team and Together for Children I am taking the decision to close our Nursery setting for a minimum of 2 weeks. "Staff who have been in contact with the confirmed case have undertaken tests and will also be absent for the next two weeks.

“We know this time is a very worrying time and regret that very little notice has been provided. This decision in not taken lightly but is very much a preventative measure.

“While Nursery children are not able to attend school we will ensure learning and education tasks are shared via online systems and home resources.

"Staff will be in contact directly with more guidance on this in the coming days.

“All other classes remain open in school including our Little Legs provision. Should anything change in the meantime we will ensure you are kept up to date.”

Anyone with concerns is advised to contact the school directly.