A special needs school has closed due to "severe staff absence" linked to the coronavirus outbreak.

Despite the closure, the head teacher has made clear there is no case of Covid-19 at Falconer School in Bushey.

Head teacher Paul Clair said in a message on Friday morning: "Due to severe staff absence and NHS Stay at Home guidance Falconer School will be closed from today Friday 13th March until Tuesday 17th March 2020.

"We hope to re-open the school in a full or limited capacity on Wednesday 18th March 2020.

"Staff will be in contact with you throughout the day to ensure that students can access our New Learning Platform.

"I would like to assure you that there has NOT been a confirmed case of coronavirus in our school however, NHS guidance on Staying at Home means that the school will not be able to function safely at current staffing levels.

"Over the next few days the school will undergo additional cleaning to ensure Parents, Staff and Children can have confidence to return to school.

"I am aware of the serious disruption that will be caused but please know that my number one priority is the safety and care of all within our school community.

"Please take care and continue to follow NHS advice.

"I will be making further contact with you over the coming days so please watch this space. Thank you for your continued understanding and support."

Meanwhile Greenfields Primary School in South Oxhey says a pupil is in self-isolation.

In an email, the school said: "Greenfields does not have a confirmed case of coronavirus. We do have one child who has been tested and has been advised to self-isolate for seven days."

The email does add that a "deep clean of key areas" will take place at the school.

Meanwhile Holywell Primary School in Watford notified parents earlier this week that a few parents at the school had been in contact with someone who had tested positive for Covid-19.

The school said those involved were self-isolating and added it believed "the risk is no longer present in the school".

The school remained open but the head teacher Coert van Streeten said in the email that cleaners would be focusing on key areas around the school.