A class and its teachers have been sent home to self isolate after a girl tested positive for Covid-19.

Four staff and 25 children in Year 5 at the Hartlip Endowed Church of England Primary School near Sittingbourne must stay away for 14 days.

Head teacher Tracey Jerome said: “I can confirm that on Wednesday, September 16, we were informed by one of our parents that their child had tested positive for Covid-19.

"My staff and I followed Public Health England (PHE) guidance and I liaised with the local PHE Health Protection Team to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone within the school community.

“I have now informed the parents/carers of the 25 children in the child’s class bubble that they, along with the four members of staff within that bubble, will need to self-isolate for 14 days. Children will receive home learning from the school and will return full time on Thursday, October 1."

She added: “I would like to thank the parents/carers and staff affected for their cooperation.

“The rest of the school remains open with staff and pupils continuing to follow PHE guidance in terms of social distancing, hand-washing and cleaning to minimise the spread of the virus and ensure pupils and staff can continue to learn and work in a safe environment.

"I understand children and their families may be concerned to hear that one of our pupils has tested positive for the virus. However, I wish to reassure them that making our school a safe place for everyone remains our overriding priority and we are continuing to follow all Government guidance and take all necessary steps to keep their children safe while they are in school.”

A number of other schools in the Sittingbourne area have already had to send pupils and staff home.

At the beginning of the month, two children at South Avenue Primary School tested positive for Covid-19 , while another at St Peter's Catholic Primary School also had a test come back positive. Both schools are in the town.

Meanwhile, pupils and staff from Highsted Grammar School, also in Sittingbourne, and Bapchild and Tonge CofE, in a village neighbouring the town, have also been self isolating.

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