THE local authority has said significant issues in getting supply teachers is one of the reasons it had to close parts of Haverfordwest High VC.

Headteacher Jane Harries released a letter on the school's Facebook page yesterday afternoon informing parents that Year 8 would close today, Thursday, October 14, and Year 9 will be closed tomorrow, Friday, October 15, due to staff shortages because of illness.

Pembrokeshire County Council has now released a statement explaining why the decision was made.

PCC said: "The difficult decision was taken by the school in conjunction with the local authority and chair of governors, due to the large number of teaching and support staff absent from school due to sickness.

"The school has done everything it can to cover lessons with existing staff and booking supply staff, but it still does not have capacity to cover large numbers of classes on these dates.

"There are significant issues in getting sufficient numbers of supply teachers locally at the current time."

In a letter written by Ms Harries, the head of the school said pressure on her staff is enormous.

"It is with regret that I write to inform you that I have taken the difficult decision to close to Year 8 for the day on Thursday and Year 9 for the day on Friday.

"The pressure on our teaching and support staff at present is enormous and whilst every effort will be made to provide some work this will not be possible for all classes."

The link to the full letter can be found here.

PCC went on to say the school had received, 'very supportive comments about the decision' and 'very few negative ones'.

Parents tell us your thoughts. Was it right to close Years 8 and 9 or could this have been avoided? Let us know on the Western Telegraph Facebook page, email us at wtnews@westerntelegraph.co.uk or leave a comment below.