Blackpool secondary school sends all children home from one year group after pupil tests positive for Covid-19

They will be off until next Monday, headteacher Mark Kilmurray said in a letter to parents.

And he shot online rumours, saying: "We were advised shortly after opening the school on Monday morning that we have a confirmed case of Covid-19 of a child within our Year Eight bubble.

"Regardless of what may have been discussed on social media, up to this point in time the school has not had one single confirmed case of Covid-19 since reopening the academy at the start of September."

Mr Kilmurray added: "The Department for Education guidance states ‘swift action’ is to be taken and the school should make ‘immediate contact with Public Health England for advice’, which is precisely what we have done.

"In the light of the information presented, I took the decision to close the Year Eight bubble to minimise any further possibility of infection or cross contamination.

"I fully appreciate that my decision will have inconvenienced families and may have caused concerns and anxiety.

"However, the safety and well-being of our children, your sons and daughters is of absolute paramount importance.

"Furthermore, this action does not impact upon the other year bubbles and indeed our primary school.

"The whole point of the bubble system is to minimise any potential infection and in this regard our systems have worked precisely as intended."

The school website has information on remote learning so youngsters can complete classes from home, Mr Kilmurray said.

He added: "Staff have been working to produce materials and resources so that learning is not disrupted during this period.

"Once again, I extend my sincere apologies for the inconvenience and anxiety caused.

"I trust you will appreciate the difficulties surrounding the current circumstances.

"However, the underlying priority guiding my decision is the safety and wellbeing of our children, staff and you, our parents and carers."