Talks were being held after a shortage of teachers at a Sandys school resulted in its “abrupt” closure.

However, Sandys Secondary Middle School will be open today, the education ministry advised, with its closure set for 2.30pm, one hour earlier than usual to allow for meetings with teachers, the board of governors and the Bermuda Union of Teachers.

A message addressed to parents and guardians of pupils at the school yesterday — and seen by The Royal Gazette — advised parents that there were not enough staff members on the premises to safely supervise pupils.

It said: “Regrettably, we have to advise you that we do not have adequate staff to safely supervise students today.

“However, we are here to receive any students that arrive. We will provide a further update as soon as possible.”

The Gazette contacted the school and was informed that pupils were sent home.

The ministry said this afternoon that it was aware of the teacher shortage at Sandys Secondary Middle School.

It added that Crystal Caesar, the Acting Minister of Education, and Kalmar Richards, the ministry’s acting permanent secretary, met the school’s board to discuss the “abrupt” closure.

A spokeswoman for the ministry said: “The acting minister and acting permanent secretary are working with the principal, Sandys school board and the Bermuda Union of Teachers to address and resolve staff concerns.

“The ministry sincerely apologises to the parents, guardians and students for today's unscheduled closure.”

School buses have been arranged to collect pupils for the early close of school tomorrow.

The Bermuda Union of Teachers did not comment on the matter by press time.

• UPDATE: this article has been updated with comments from the Ministry of Education