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Secondary school age pupils at a special needs academy have been told to self-isolate after a member of staff tested positive for coronavirus.
Milestone Academy in New Ash Green informed parents and carers yesterday that pupils in years 7 to 11 should not return until October 7.
The affected staff member had been carrying out their duties solely on the "Phase 3" site, which means younger year groups and those at the Leigh Academy satellite can continue to attend.
Household members have been told they do not need to self-isolate unless their child develops Covid-19 symptoms.
Public Health England has been informed and has advised the school can continue to operate as normal in line with its secure guidelines.
However, it is asking staff, students and their families to continue to look out for any new symptoms
A letter to parents read: "We appreciate this will be a worrying time for parents but please be assured that the arrangements we have in place will have a reduced risk of cross-transmission as far as is practically possible.
"To clarify the situation, all pupils in Phase 3 have been asked to self-isolate for 14 days since they were last in school which means your child should remain at home until Tuesday, October 6 and can then return to school on Wednesday, October 7.
"If your child does develop symptoms they should be tested as per the guidance from NHS 111 and the school informed of the result so we an further assess our response plan."
The school forms part of the Leigh Academies Trust and caters for children aged between two and 19 with special educational needs.
It is the third school managed by the Trust to confirm a Covid-19 case among either pupils or staff.
Last week it was confirmed an admin worker from Longfield Academy, in Main Road, tested positive for coronavirus.
Pupils were not sent home as the staff member did not have close contact with them but the school is staying vigilant.
Then later the same week six staff members and pupils from a Year 10 bubble at Wilmington Academy on Common Lane were sent home to self isolate for two weeks after a student tested positive.
