Ringwood Infant School has been closed to pupils today after mice were spotted on the premises yesterday.

Pest control have been on site this morning, the school has confirmed.

The school is due to reopen tomorrow. Changes will be made to how lunch boxes are stored at the school.

Parents were informed about the closure in an email on Monday night.

Head teacher Hilary Silk said: "It was decided to close the school as, towards the end of the day on Monday February 19, rodents were seen on the school premises.

"As a precautionary measure, we have closed the school while the issue is investigated."

In an update she said the situation was investigated by Hampshire County Council Property Services and the Pest Control Officer from New Forest District Council.

"Having investigated the school site, it has been confirmed that the rodents are mice.

"On advice from the pest control officer, school will open tomorrow with a number of preventative measures being taken by the school.

"The changes to be made from a parent’s perspective, means that lunch boxes will no longer be stored on open shelves in the hall.

"They will be collected at the start of the day, on a trolley outside the school hall, and transferred and stored within the school. They will be available for collection from the same place at the end of the school day."

She said there was no evidence of rodent activity in the classrooms or the kitchen at the time of inspection.

An environmental health assessment of the kitchen scored the highest mark available, a five. 

A statement on the school's website added: "The decision has been made to close the school (on Tuesday) due to a health & safety situation that, as a precaution needs immediate investigation.

"This issue will be actioned first thing and we will keep you all informed following advice from Hampshire County Council.

"With apologies for any inconvenience caused and we aim to resolve the situation as soon as possible."