A PRIMARY school in Bradford has been forced to close until next term after a coronavirus case emerged within the setting. 

St Stephen's Church of England (CofE) Primary School, in West Bowling, shut to all pupils and staff on Monday, July 6. 

The school took the decision to close its doors for the rest of this term, after it was advised by Public Health England (PHE) that there had been a confirmed case of the COVID-19 virus within the school.

Headteacher, Paul Urry, informed parents and carers about the news in an "urgent message" on the school's website, published on Sunday, July 5.

It said: "Late today, we were advised by Public Health England that there has been a confirmed case of COVID-19 within our school.

"To protect pupils, families and staff we have taken the decision to close our school from tomorrow for the rest of this term.

"Your child’s teacher will contact you tomorrow to offer advice and answer questions you may have.

"Thank you for your support and we hope you understand that the health of everyone is of the utmost importance.

"We advise that you continue to follow the Government guidance on www.gov.uk.

"Take care and stay safe, Mr Urry."

Bradford Council's website also shows the school as being shut, with people asked to "contact the school for support".

The closure means St Stephen's will not welcome pupils back until at least late August, or early September, when the 2020/21 academic year is set to start.

Schools are continuing to face a balancing act of weighing-up educational needs and keeping staff and students safe.

The council confirmed, in a statement to the T&A last Thursday, that it was aware of "a small number of cases" at Brackenhill Primary School, in Dracup Road.

But the school did not have to close.

Read more about that here...