A VILLAGE primary school is closed today (Monday) after a number of pupils tested positive for Covid-19 and several members of staff are self isolating.

Acting headteacher Kelly Birt has written to parents and carers of children at Norton Fitzwarren Church School saying she has "not taken this decision lightly".

Mrs Birt sent three letters home last week informing parents and carers of separate cases of the virus among pupils.

Yesterday (Sunday) she sent another email, saying: "Having consulted Public Health England, the Department for Education, the trust and our chair of governors, we have taken the difficult decision to close all bubbles tomorrow (Monday) at school (including Acorns).

"This decision has not been taken lightly and has had to be taken due to ensuring adequate staff ratios are met.

"We have several staff members or people with whom they live with awaiting Covid-19 test results, and whilst we await these results, we do not have adequate staff ratios to open the remaining bubbles safely tomorrow."

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READ MORE: Second case of Covid-19 confirmed at primary school near Taunton

Mrs Birt added: "Therefore, school will be closed tomorrow (Monday 30th November 2020) to ensure we keep everyone in our school community safe.

"Again, I have not taken this decision lightly, as I am aware this impacts on families greatly."

Teachers have arranged for the pupils to study remotely.

Mrs Birt said she will send a further update by the end of the school day today following receipt of the test results.