A BASINGSTOKE primary school is one of 12 in Hampshire to announce it will be partially closed this week.

Rucstall Primary School, in Black Dam, has announced it will be closed to some year groups, because of a “a range of staff absences”.

Information on Hampshire County Council’s website states that some staff at the school are self-isolating because of the Public Health England track and trace procedures, while others are following advice from their union.

The government has faced mounting pressure over the weekend to keep primary schools closed following the Christmas break, with teaching unions telling primary school staff it is “unsafe” to return to work because of rising Covid infections.

Twelve schools across the county have announced they will close or partially close this week. 

Rucstall school will be open for Years 2 and 4, along with children of key workers and those classed as vulnerable.

Dove House School, in Sutton Road, will also be closed tomorrow (January 4).

Information on Hampshire County Council’s website states that the interim headteacher has made the decision to have an INSET day tomorrow “due to concerns about numbers of staff working and to set up lateral flow testing systems”.

Pupils are due to return on January 5.