A Kent school has had to send home 260 pupils after a handful of confirmed Covid cases.

The Sittingbourne School in Swanstree Avenue told hundreds of youngsters across Year 7, Year 8 and Year 10 to isolate after being in close contact with a person who has the virus.

In total there have been four confirmed cases at the school.

Head teacher Nick Smith said: "We are confident that our robust systems have identified all possible close contacts and that it is safe for the remaining 1200+ students to be in school and engage in face-to-face teaching.

"Those sent home will access high quality teaching and learning resources online via our Google Classroom. An email has gone out to all parents/carers this afternoon."

It comes as new health secretary Sajid Javid advises a "cautious" approach to living after "freedom day" on July 19.

Read more: All the latest news from Sittingbourne