Deal 's largest primary school has announced its first positive case of Covid-19.

Warden House in Birdwood Avenue has closed its entire Year R section as a result, with a letter of advice sent home to every parent yesterday.

According to Ofsted figures, the 'outstanding' school is the largest of its kind in Deal with capacity for 441 pupils, aged five to 11. It has two Reception classes.

In the letter dated Monday, October 12, seen by KentOnline , head teacher Rob Hackett writes: "I am writing to inform you that a member of our school community has tested positive for Covid-19.

"We know you might find this concerning but we are continuing to monitor the situation and we are working with Public Health England."

It continues: "As a result, and following communication with advisors from Public Health England, we have taken the decision to close our Year R bubble for a set period of time.

"Parents of pupils in Year R will have received separate letters regarding the situation providing further advice.

"The rest of the school remains open and if your child is in Year 1-6 they should continue to attend as normal if they remain well.

"This includes any siblings of pupils in Year R."

The letter goes on to advise parents on what symptoms they should look out for such as a new continuous cough, high temperature and loss of or change to sense of taste or smell.

If these appear, the child must not attend school and should remain at home for at least 10 days.

Mr Chisnell confirmed to KentOnline that a deep clean of the Year R area has taken place.

He said: "We were informed yesterday and the headteacher responded immediately, taking advice from Public Health England and consulting with me as Executive Headteacher and informing the Chair of Trustees and Chair of Governors, that all staff and pupils in the bubble should shield.

"Pupils were sent home and due to return after the designated shielding duration. The bubble is due to return on Monday, October 18 2020 in accordance with the recommendations from Public Health England provided there are no further confirmed cases in this bubble.

"For my part, the headteacher has acted swiftly and diligently to ensure pupils and staff remain safe at the school.

"Our parents have been very supportive and have continued to work with the school during these difficult times. Because of this action, the school has remained open to wider children and families."

It comes just days after the first cases at the town's only secondary school, Goodwin Academy, where both a teacher and a Year 10 pupil have contracted the virus.

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