Coronavirus: JCB Academy closes due to confirmed case

JCB Academy in Rocester said it was investigating a "single case" of the virus

A school has closed to pupils due to a confirmed case of Covid-19.

The JCB Academy in Rocester, Staffordshire which welcomed pupils back at the end of last month, asked children to stay at home on Friday.

In an email sent to parents, the school said a "single student" had tested positive for the virus.

A total of 100 pupils have now been asked to self-isolate for the next 14 days after being in contact with the individual.

Principal Jenny McGuirk said the academy has taken advice from Public Health England and the Staffordshire Covid-19 Response Team to mitigate the risk from the case.

"Through track and trace, academy staff have worked throughout the day to contact the families of students believed to have been in contact with the individual who has tested positive.

"As a result, around 100 students have now been asked to self-isolate for the next 14 days.

"In the meantime, the JCB Academy will re-open on Monday for the remaining 700 students."

Those who are self-isolating will be able to access learning online, she added.

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The school previously shared a list of measures that would be in place after reopening, which included pupils wearing masks in the corridors, having hand sanitiser placed in classrooms and pupils staying 2m (6.5ft) away from teachers.