A CRADLEY Heath school has been forced to close as staff absences mean it can't be kept 'appropriately clean.'

Corngreaves Academy on Plant Street closed to all pupils yesterday and remained shut today (Wednesday November 25).

It is hoped the primary school will be able to reopen tomorrow (Thursday).

An email sent to parents on Monday, November 23, said the cleaning regime had been hit by staff being unavailable for work.

The email said: "As a result of staff absences due to ill health and self-isolation, we are unable to keep the school appropriately clean tomorrow.

"We have therefore reluctantly decided that all pupils should remain at home tomorrow (November 24) and participate in remote learning.

"We apologise for both the inconvenience this may cause parents and for the very short notice in letting you know. Unfortunately, we have only just come aware of the full extent of the absence and its impact on our ability to keep the school clean for children and staff."

It had been hoped the school would be able to reopen today, but a further e mail sent on Tuesday confirmed it would be closed.

A message on the school's Facebook site this morning said: "Thank you for your continued support and we will see you back at school on Thursday."