A TEACHER has tested positive for Covid-19 at a secondary school, with pupils and teachers told to self isolate.

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

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

The Echo has been told a female teacher has tested positive, with 30 pupils sent home yesterday.

Parents have said the positive test will be “extremely disruptive.”

In an email to parents, Mrs Dines said: “Unfortunately, I have 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 and 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 pupils other than the small bubble that we have identified and sent home.”

One parent, who’s child is in year 11, said: “It’s disruptive for the students who are already six months behind.

“What does this mean for those sitting exams next year?

“Parents are already finding it challenging with going back to work. What does this mean for them?

“It’s challenging for everyone.”

Mrs Dines added: “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.”

Another parent, who’s child is in year nine, is furious at the news. The 49-year-old added: “We’re up in arms about this. It’s all up in the air.

“The email was so vague. We don’t know what year group it is that has been sent home.

“My child is wearing a mask, but nobody else is. Only one teacher has been seen wearing one.

“What happens in the staff room. Has anybody thought about that?”

Sweyne Park School was contacted for further comment.