A SCHOOL has been forced to close its canteen for two weeks after a case of Covid-19 was confirmed.

Beauchamps High School in Wickford says all canteen staff are self-isolating and it will be unable to serve food to pupils until December 14.

Bosses say the confirmed case in the canteen area will not affect any students.

A letter sent out to parents this morning stated: "We have been advised by Public Health England that there has been a confirmed case of Covid-19 within the school canteen.

"Outside of the canteen there have been no school contacts identified and there no risk to any students that have used the canteen this week.

"Unfortunately, this means that all of our canteen staff will now need to isolate."

Bosses went on to apologise to parents after sending the letter out early on Thursday morning.

The letter continued: "Unfortunately, we have only found this out within the last hour, given this timing we are unable to provide our free school meal delivery service, which hopefully will resume next week.

"For free school meal children in school we would really appreciate it if they could bring their own packed lunch for the next two days.

"Sincere apologies for the late notice of this, unfortunately, this has been out of our control.

"Please do not panic if you have received this information after your child has set off for school this morning, we will be speaking to students as soon as they arrive and ensure they catered for."

The school has since tweeted to confirm the Co op came to its rescue and provided free sandwiches to pupils.