A STAFF member has tested positive for coronavirus at a Kidderminster school.

A number of students in the Big Tots group at Franche Community Primary School are isolating until the end of October after a female staff member tested positive for Covid-19.

This is reported to be the Chestnut Grove school's first confirmed coronavirus case.

One parent, who asked to remain anonymous, said some pupils were turned away from entering the school on Monday morning as a result.

In a letter sent to parents on Monday, Franche Community Primary School said: "We have been advised by Public Health that there has been a confirmed case of Covid-19 within the school.

"We are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health. This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide you with advice on how to support your child. Please be reassured that for most people, Covid-19 will be a mild illness.

"The school is open and, providing your child remains well, they can continue to attend school as normal. We will keep this under review.

"For each confirmed case, Worcestershire Public Health undertakes a robust risk assessment with the school to identify the contacts in school of any confirmed case taking into account the protective measures the school have put in place and the activities during the infectious period for the case.

"The aim of the risk assessment is to ensure all contacts are identified and preventive measures are put in place whilst minimising the educational impact on pupils.

"The school has implemented Covid protective measures and controls to reduce mixing of pupils to prevent whole bubbles being collapsed unnecessarily.

"In some instances, only identifiable close contacts are asked to self isolate, in other situations the risk assessment may indicate the whole bubble needs to self-isolate. This approach reduces the numbers of pupils having to self-isolate at home for 14 days."

The letter goes on to say: "We recognise that receiving this letter and hearing that there has now been a confirmed case in the school may be upsetting, worrying and frustrating.

"As a school we have done everything we can to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus, however as we are all aware, no school is completely without risk.

"In order to prevent any form of outbreak, it is now essential that we take action and follow the recommendations set out by Public Health England.

"This means that some pupils in Big Tots have been asked to isolate until the end of Friday, October 30."

The letter continues to reassure parents that the school has contacted the worker's household, identified all staff who have been in contact with her, and deep-cleaned the relevant areas of the school.

The staff member is reported to be "doing well".

Dr Kathryn Cobain, director for Public Health for Worcestershire, said: “An individual from Franche Community Primary School has tested positive for Covid-19. This case was quickly identified, and the school is being supported by Public Health."