DESPITE the closure of schools, it's business as usual for nurseries in the district.

The government opted to keep nurseries open after acting on advice that younger children were less likely to pass on coronavirus than those of school age.

At diandjims Children's Day Nursery in Hexham, manager Lisa Armstrong said children and staff had returned with extensive Covid safety measures in place.

"We've opened as normal," said Lisa. "All of our staff have returned.

"Naturally its a worrying time but we've done everything we possibly can - as we had done in the previous months - in the interests of Covid safety, and have reassured parents."

Purnima Tanuku OBE, chief executive of the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA), said nurseries wanted to support children and their families but needed reassurances over safety and financial support.

She added: "This is a worrying time for parents, nurseries and their staff. Nurseries have been operating as safely as possible to ensure children have access to early education and parents are able to work.

Nurseries want to keep open so they can continue to support children and give them a safe and nurturing place during this lockdown. A lot of work has gone into making nurseries as safe as possible but this reassurance needs to come from the highest level."