A SCHOOL has been closed for two weeks after a member of staff tested positive for coronavirus.

Bocking Church Street Community Primary School says none of its pupils were in close contact with the individual.

But the school has been closed until Monday, November 30, because several other members of staff have been asked to self-isolate as a result.

Parents were informed of the sudden closure at the end of the school day on Monday.

A letter sent out by the school states: "Today we have been notified of a positive confirmed case of COVID-19 within the school community.

"A full investigation has been conducted with Public Health England and Essex Track and Trace to identify close contacts.

"Although our children are not required to isolate as none have been in direct prolonged contact with the individual who tested positive for Covid-19, several staff have been in direct contact and they are required to be staying at home for 14 days.

"Having reviewed our risk assessment taking into account the staffing capacity, along with the health and safety considerations, we have reached the crucial tipping point where the ability for the school building to remain open and function safely is no longer an option.

"The school’s contingency staffing plans have been exhausted, but sadly with the roles and responsibilities of those directly affected in school, this limited capacity has been exhausted."

Students will be doing their learning remotely from home.

School bosses also say they will be making phone-calls to parents throughout the coming weeks to 'keep in touch'.

Anyone unable to access online materials is asked to contact the school office where they can request a learning pack to be sent to them.

The letter adds: "Here at Bocking Primary, the health and wellbeing of our pupils and staff is of the utmost concern.

"We understand that this development means additional disruption for children and their parents, but we must take appropriate action to ensure their safety and prevent future spread of the virus."