Pupils told to stay away from Lancashire schools after Covid cases confirmed

Meanwhile pupils from a year group at Wellfield High School, Leyland were sent home after a Covid case was identified.

Headteacher Mr Phil Grice posted a letter on the website of Saint Bede's RC High School at Lytham St. Annes noting: "Unfortunately, we have just heard about a confirmed positive test for COVID19 in Year 7. If your child (in Year 7) has not left for school then they should remain at home in the first instance.

"If your son or daughter is already on the way to school, then we will contact you about arrangements for them to return home."

The letter noted: "Once we have determined, in consultation with the Department for Education Covid helpline, who should self-isolate, we will notify parents directly. Siblings of children in Year 7 who are not displaying symptoms should attend school as normal. Apologies for the huge inconvenience that this will cause."

Letters were also sent out to the parents through the school's online service. Updates will be posted on the school website.

Mr Grice added: "We were advised of a positive case this morning and, following our robust procedures for this sort of incident, have asked one year-group bubble to self-isolate. We have a very detailed risk assessment in place for just this sort of incident and are following our plans carefully, including arrangements for students to be able to continue their education remotely."

At Wellfield High School, Yewlands Drive, Leyland, a pupil has also been diagnosed with Covid-19. Jamie Lewis, head of school, said: "We have been advised today of a positive case and, following our robust procedures, have sent one year group home this afternoon as a precaution while we check which individuals may have been in close contact and need to self-isolate.

"We have a very detailed risk assessment in place for just this sort of incident and are keeping parents fully informed."