A Neath Port Talbot council spokesman said: “Staff at the school has taken regular LFD tests.

       "Staff have now taken every precaution to safeguard pupils and themselves.

       "However, the impact of staff illness and self-isolation has made it impossible to operate the school safely for all year groups this week.

       “The health and safety of our pupils and staff are of paramount importance, so, from Monday, September 20 up to Friday, September 24, Year 9 pupils will move to home learning.

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       “We will continue to closely monitor the situation throughout the week.

       "All Year 9 pupils should log on to Microsoft Teams via Hwb and follow their usual timetable.

       "Teachers will make every effort to ensure appropriate work is available and, where possible, live lessons will take place.”

       Referring to the rising rates of coronavirus in Wales the country's First Minister Mark Drakeford spoke to WalesOnline and said: “What we want is a more flexible system.

       "A system where decisions are made closer to the ground and where we can avoid situations where whole classes of children are being sent home because one child might have tested positive.

       "We’ve learned different techniques and different ways of doing things and we will have to manage the fact that there will be coronavirus in schools as there is everywhere else.

       "But, we must act in a way that minimises disruption on teachers, parents and other staff in schools and particularly for children themselves."