Year Four pupils at Blackpool school are sent into self-isolation for second time since September

Layton Primary, in Meyler Avenue, yesterday said youngsters must learn from home until Tuesday, November 24 following a "confirmed case of Covid-19 in school".

Headteacher Jonathan Clucas told parents in a letter: "We have followed this guidance and our school Covid-19 risk assessment, and have identified that children in Year Four may have been in close contact with the affected person.

"Year Four staff and children will now self-isolate and will return to school on Tuesday, November 24.

"This is to stop any potential spread of Covid-19 within the community."

People should self-isolate for 14 days from when they last had close contact with a confirmed case, the NHS said.

Mr Clucas suggested the length of the isolation came following a recommendation by health chiefs, and added: "Any household where there is a person experiencing symptoms would be asked to isolate until they have had a test and received the result.

"Any member of our school community experiencing symptoms is required to isolate and obtain a test.

"On this occasion, the appropriate action was taken both before and once the positive result came to light."

Year Four pupils at Layton were required to isolate for 12 days, from Saturday, September 26 to Thursday, October 8, after a previous confirmed case.

Parents of the affected children do not need to isolate, and neither do their siblings, who are expected to turn up to classes as long as they are not also in Year Four.

At least 11 local schools have been forced to send pupils home to self-isolate, The Gazette reported in September, just weeks after youngsters returned to the classroom.