PE STAFF at Castle View School have been told to self-isolate after they came into contact with a positive Covid-19 case.

The secondary school on Canvey sent a letter out to parents informing them of a timetable change to PE lessons this week.

The letter from headteacher Steve Durkin said the changes will be in place until Thursday next week.

He said: “NHS Track and Trace have been in contact with some staff and advised they should self-isolate having being identified as a close contact to someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.

“We would like to reassure you that because of the measures taken in school in advance of our return and using both the risk assessment and following government guidance, we have minimised any risk to students and our wider staff body.”

The news comes a day after a member of staff tested positive for the virus at Sweyne Park School, Rayleigh on Tuesday.

Headteacher Katharine Dines confirmed the school is remaining open, but the pupils and colleagues in their bubble of children and staff have been sent home to isolate for 14 days.

The school have stated around 30 pupils were sent home on Tuesday.

Mr Durkin advised that children who have core practical PE on period one or five at Castle View School until next Thursday will now have their lessons on period two and those on period five will leave the site at the end of lunchtime, at 2pm.

The changes do not apply to year seven period five PE or PE options classes for year ten and 11, which will continue as normal. Work will be available on Microsoft Teams during these periods at home for years eight and 11.

He added: “As you can see from the actions taken above we are following all protocols to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all members of our school community whilst balancing their education over the long term.”