The owner of Ashfield House Day Nursery in Bradford, West Yorkshire, made the controvesial move after several staff members had to self-isolate recently. They have had to close rooms in the nursery as a result.

       Rosemary Izzard, nursery owner, said all existing staff will have to be double-jabbed by September 1 and anyone applying for vacancies there will need to show proof of their vaccinations.

       This will also be the case at its sister nursery. The only exception will be where there is a clinically confirmed reason the jab would prove to be a serious risk to health.

       But one employee has already resigned as they've decided not to get the jab for "personal reasons," reports Yorkshire Live.

       Ms Izzard said: "From August 16, double vaccinated staff won't have to isolate when they come into contact with a positive case which means we wouldn't need to close rooms at the nursery.

       "We recognise that parents bring their children to nursery so they can go to work but the current level of isolations is having a major impact on their ability to attend work and subsequently, their finances.

       "We've only had one resignation from an employee who agrees with the reasons for the policy but for 'personal reasons' just doesn't want to be vaccinated. No one has left yet and the majority of staff are in total agreement.

       "I do appreciate that the introduction of this policy may have, for whatever reason, a negative impact upon some staff and I hope that its introduction will not result in any loss of staff.

       "My trust is that everyone understands that each nursery cannot continue to experience the recent level of disruption without placing its existence at considerable risk."

       There are currently 51 staff across two nurseries, one of which has seven employees self-isolating at present.

       And parents have largely backed the decision, as recent staff shortages have impacted their ability to work.

       One parent emailed her to say: "I applaud you for doing this as not many employers have the initiative to make these unpopular decisions.

       "I 100% agree with your decision, not just because my little boy attends your nursery but because I work for the NHS myself...I have seen how Covid has affected everyone...it's about protecting everyone - ourselves, our children and older generations.

       "Thank you for being one of the few to make this decision regarding Covid vaccinations. You, as always, have my utmost respect."

       Around 90% of staff at Ashfield House have already had at least one jab.

       The nursery, in a suburb in the north of the city, was rated as Outstanding by Ofsted last year.

       It caters for around 90 children aged from newborns to five years old.