A member of staff has tested positive for Covid-19 at a secondary school.

A member of staff at Sweyne Park School, on Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, in Rayleigh, tested positive for coronavirus this morning.

Headteacher Katharine Dines has confirmed the school will remain open, but the pupils and colleagues in their bubble have been sent home to isolate for 14 days.

In an email to parents, Mrs Dines said: "I am really sorry to be writing to you so early in the term.

"Unfortunately, I have this morning been notified that a member of staff has tested positive for Covid-19.

"We have spoken to all pupils and members of staff with whom that member of staff has been in close contact with, and in line with advice from Public Health England/NHS 111, these members of staff and the relevant bubble of pupils have been sent home and will now have to self-isolate for 14 days.

"Contrary to what you might have seen on social media, we remain open to all other pupils other than the small bubble that we have identified and sent home.

"As is our usual policy, we will always contact parents/carers directly with official information, we do not use social media.

"Please do refer to our website for further information, and do contact Public Health England if you have any medical concerns.

"This situation will, regrettably, have an impact on the amount of cover lessons that we may have to offer. Thank you, in advance, for your support with this."

Sweyne Park School was contacted for further comment.