Northern Ireland

Crumlin primary school closes early for Easter following Covid cases

A 500-pupil primary school in Co Antrim has closed early for Easter after a rise in Covid cases.

St Joseph's PS in Crumlin said its pupils had moved back to remote learning.

It was due to break up for the holiday later this week.

On Monday, it had celebrated the work of its P6 pupils in recreating the Easter story through the Stations of the Cross.

P4-7 pupils across the north only returned to face-to-face classes last Monday having been learning from home since December.

In a statement, the board of governors said: "Over the last number of days there has been a rise in the number of positive cases of Covid-19.

"Following dialogue with EA and PHA and having completed a risk assessment, the Board of Governors decided that the school should move to remote learning for the last few days of term.

"We look forward to welcoming our pupils back to school on Monday 12th April."