School pupils are self-isolating after a member of staff has tested positive for Covid-19.

A small number of students in Year 8 and Year 12 at Sweyne Park School, Rayleigh, have been told to self-isolate after a member of staff tested positive for the virus.

A letter was sent to parents this morning, confirming that the member of staff was showing symptoms of Covid and had returned a positive lateral flow test.

Parents have been urged by headteacher, Katherine Dines, to continue testing their children twice weekly.

In a letter to parents, Katherine Dines said: "We have this morning, unfortunately, been notified that a member of staff has returned a positive Lateral Flow Test, and is showing symptoms of COVID-19. They will be taking a confirmatory PCR test this morning.

"Having evaluated the situation, and in accordance with advice from Public Health England we have identified all "close contacts" of the member of staff in question and they are now self-isolating pending the results of the PCR test. .

"This has affected a small number of Year 8 pupils and Year 12 students and the parents/carers of those pupils have already been contacted, and will be notified of the PCR test result as soon as we hear.

"In the meantime, please do continue to encourage your son/daughter to take their twice weekly lateral flow tests, as these really do make a difference.

"As always, if they do display symptoms of COVID-19, they must not come into school and you must arrange for them to take a PCR test as soon as possible.

"Thank you for your ongoing support."