A total of 110 pupils have been sent home from school after a child tested positive for coronavirus.

The Year 5 youngsters from Herne Bay Juniors will not be able to return to class until Tuesday, November 17.

Nine members of staff are also having to self-isolate after the child tested positive for the illness on Friday.

Head teacher Melody Kingman said: "My colleagues and I are following NHS and Public Health England (PHE) guidance to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone within the school community.

"As a result, 110 pupils and nine members of staff have been sent home to self-isolate.

"The rest of the school remains open. Staff and pupils are continuing to follow PHE guidance in terms of social distancing, handwashing and cleaning to minimise the spread of the virus and ensure we can all continue to learn and work in a safe environment."

Ms Kingman says the Year 5 pupils will continue their learning remotely, while they are self-isolating.

This comes a month after 90 youngsters as young as six from Hampton Primary School, which is also in Herne Bay, were sent home when a member of their cohort tested positive for the virus.

Ms Kingman added: "Home learning will be provided via Google Classroom, as we did during the first national lockdown, and staff will support those pupils with their learning remotely.

“I would like to thank the staff, our parents and carers and of course our pupils for their support and understanding at this difficult time.”

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