Primary school pupils at a Bristol school will not return for at least another week, due to "significant concerns" about coronavirus.
Bridge Learning Campus in Hartcliffe announced the last minute-decision yesterday (Sunday, January 3) before term was due to start today.
Despite Boris Johnson's assurances of school safety, headteacher Rupert Maule said the concerns had led to staff reporting absences.
In a letter to parents, he wrote: "Due to significant concerns regarding the local and national situation regarding Covid-19, I have taken the difficult decision to close the primary school tomorrow to all children in nursery, reception and in Years 1 - 6.
"This is necessary as I have been informed this afternoon that there will not be enough teaching staff in school tomorrow to be able to open safely for all."
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The primary phase of the all-through school will reopen tomorrow (January 5), but only to vulnerable children and children of key workers.
'I sincerely apologise'
Mr Maule continued: "The school will re-open to all other children no sooner than Monday, January 11, possibly later.
"This decision does not change the plans that are already in place for pupils in Years 7 - 11.
"I sincerely apologise for the short notice of this announcement and will write in more detail to all parents and carers tomorrow."
The return of students in the secondary phase of education at the school had already been delayed in line with government guidance.
Those in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 will learn at home for the first two weeks of term, and are due to go back in person on Monday, January 18.
Exam pupils in Year 11 will complete remote learning at home this week and are due to return on Monday, January 11.
Several Bristol schools announced last-minute inset days as they seek more guidance about the new variant of Covid-19, and if it is safe for staff and children to return.
Sea Mills Primary School also has a brief message on its website stating: "School is CLOSED to the majority of pupils until Friday 16th January."
It is thought this is meant to say Friday, January 15 and Bristol Live has sought clarification about the reason for the closure.
The National Education Union is calling on the government to move learning online in all primary schools for at least two weeks, and has advised members of their legal rights not to have to work in an unsafe environment.
