A HEADTEACHER has announced a Year 3 pupil has been diagnosed with Covid-19.

Nicky Patrick, Spring Meadow Primary School's headteacher, issued a letter to parents about the diagnosed case on Tuesday.

The school, in Dovercourt, also had a positive Covid-19 case in September, which parents were informed about at the time.

Mrs Patrick's letter said: "We know that you may find this concerning but we are continuing to monitor the situation and taking advice from the DfE Covid helpline.

"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."

She said the small number of children who have been in direct prolonged contact with the individual who has contracted the virus will be staying at home for 14 days.

The school remains open and children should continue to attend if they are well.

Mrs Patrick added: "With regard to the Covid-19 case; On Tuesday we were advised that a child in Year 3 had developed Covid symptoms over the weekend and subsequently received a positive diagnosis. 

"I immediately sought advice from the Essex Contact Tracing Team and from the DfE Helpline. 

"In line with that advice a class of 30 children and two adults have been advised to isolate for 14 days from the time of contact with the individual, which was Thursday last week. 

"Therefore, this class will complete their isolation on October 30 and be ready to return to school after half term.  The classroom has been deep cleaned and sanitized using a fog cleaner."