Year 2 class sent home after positive coronavirus case confirmed at Swarcliffe Primary School

The case was confirmed at Swarcliffe Primary School, in Swarcliffe Drive, on Tuesday, September 29.

As a result, the Year 2 'Koala' class has been sent home as a precaution.

Children and staff from this class will isolate until Tuesday, October 6.

In a letter sent to parents, headteacher Debra Hill said: "We have been advised by Public Health England that there has been a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the school.

"We know that you may find this concerning but we are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England.

"Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.

"The small number of children who have been in close contact with the individual who has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) have received a letter asking them to stay at home until Tuesday 6th October.

"The school remains open and your child should continue to attend as normal if they remain well."

What is a school 'bubble'?

The government has advised schools to separate pupils into bubbles to reduce contact and limit the transmission of coronavirus.

In secondary schools, the government advice is to separate the bubbles into year groups in order to "enable schools to deliver the full range of curriculum subjects and students to receive specialist teaching."

This means there is no mixing between the year groups in classrooms, corridors and other open areas.

It also allows schools to easily identify those who may need to self-isolate if someone within the bubble tests positive for the virus

This means if a pupil tests positive in one bubble, only that bubble will need to isolate and not the other bubbles, limiting the impact on each year group.