A NURSERY was forced to close after a family received two positive Covid-19 tests.

Jelly Beans montessori nursery, in Hockley, has been left reeling after two members of its “nursing community” tested positive this week.

The nursery, on Southend Road, was closed yesterday for a deep clean, but re-opened today, bosses have confirmed.

Children from the family had been attending the nursery.

In a letter to parents, Sarah Drummond, the founder and director of the nursery, said only a “small number of children” have come into contact with the family members who have tested positive.

Several members of staff are self-isolating.

Mrs Drummond said: “We have been made aware of two members of our nursery community who have tested positive for Covid-19.

“We know that you will find this concerning and we are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England.

“This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child.

“Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus will be a mild illness.

“The small number of children who have been in direct prolonged contact with the confirmed cases will have received an individual letter and will be staying at home for 14 days.

“The nursery will be closed tomorrow, September 8, for a deep clean and will re-open on Wednesday September 9.

“Santa Maria Room will be reopen on September 9 and the St Nicholas room will re-open on the 10th.

“Your child should continue to attend if they are well.

“Please note spaces in the Santa Maria room are limited as some of the staff from this room are self-isolating.”

Jelly Beans also runs two pre-schools elsewhere in Hockley.

Government advice dictates if a teacher or carer at a pre-school suspects they have Covid-19, they must self-isolate and book a test.

If the test comes back positive, “rapid action” must be taken to protect the staff, children, or the setting they are working in.

“Rapid action” advises ten days of isolation after the positive test.

Anyone who has been in close contact with the teacher should self-isolate for up to 14 days and take a test if they develop symptoms.

Close contact is described as face to face contact, within two metres, or travelling in a vehicle.

Sarah Drummond added: “Once we found out on Monday, we acted immediately.

“We’ve been open throughout lockdown.

“It’s been a privilege to help our families and the community.”