A WITHAM school says it didn't need to close a year group after claims it isn't doing enough to safeguard children from Covid-19 after a pupil tested positive for the virus.

The New Rickstones Academy in Witham reported that one of its pupils tested positive for the virus last week.

The school took the decision, after the pupil was confirmed the have the virus, to not close the year group or ask any other students to self-isolate.

However, the decision has received some backlash from a concerned parent.

The parent, who wished not to be named, said: "Rickstones Academy in Witham confirmed a year 10 student has tested positive for Covid-19 and is now self-isolating.

"It was also stated there will be no other students isolating from the Academy nor will there be any other students tested to confirm if the virus has spread in the students "bubble", or in the Academy.

"This has left me a little concerned. I don't understand how an establishment that is responsible for the safety and wellbeing of our children can be aware that a student has tested positive, but is taking no further steps to ensure the incident is contained and that there is no further spread.

"It makes a complete mockery of the Tier 2 rules and regulations being put into place!"

The school has responded to the remarks and insists no further action is needed after being reassured by Public Health England.

The school say the pupil had not been in school since October 9 and showed no symptoms for the virus.

A spokesperson for New Rickstones Academy said:

“We can confirm that a pupil at the academy has tested positive for Covid-19.

“Having sought advice from Public Health England, they have confirmed that in this instance we do not need to close the Year group as the student has not been in school since October 9 and did not display any Covid symptoms.

“The safety of our pupils and staff is our number one priority and we have written to parents to inform them and to reassure them of our processes and practices.”