Ysgol Penmaes in Brecon has announced that it is to close for the ‘immediate future’ following a positive covid test.

In a statement on the school’s website, head teacher Karen Gittins said,” It saddens me to inform you that we have had a positive case of coronavirus confirmed at Ysgol Penmaes; this, in turn, has affected our staffing levels to such an extent that the school will close for the immediate future.

“Obviously the health and safety of all parties is my main concern and the case has been reported through to the authorities as required.

“Some families may be contacted by the Test, Trace and Protect team but in the meantime, please remain vigilant regarding the symptoms and report any concerns you have to your GP, via the online portal or by ringing the coronavirus service on 111.

“If your child does display any symptoms, they will need to isolate for a period of 14 days or until they receive a negative result from a test.

“You would only need to seek a test if your child is actually displaying symptoms, or if we contact you from school to confirm that your child may have been in proximity to the person who is infectious.

“I appreciate that anxieties will be running high at this time and I completely understand this. I will seek to re-open the school as soon as it is safe to do so. However, if you are still worried about sending your child into school once we are open, please do contact me and I will be able to discuss your particular circumstances with you in confidence,” said Ms Gittins.

Ysgol Penmaes in Canal Road, Brecon is a busy, forward-looking school that provides high quality specialist education for pupils aged 3-19 with a wide range of learning difficulties and the campus includes a purpose built school, a small respite unit (Golwg y Camlas) and a residential unit for pupils on the Autistic Spectrum (Golwg y Bannau).

The school is the latest in Powys to report positive covid tests with Llanbedr Church in Wales Primary School and Llanidloes High School also affected.