A YEAR group bubble at a Hereford primary school has been sent home to self-isolate for 10 days after a member of staff tested positive for coronavirus.

Tracey Kneale, headteacher at Marlbrook Primary School in Green Croft, Redhill, said the member of staff had tested positive during a round of routine testing.

In a letter to parents she said the bubble, which is the name given to a group children who spend their school day together, will now have to self-isolate for 10 days.

While schools are closed to the majority of pupils, vulnerable children and those of critical workers can still attend.

"We have been made aware that we have a confirmed positive case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in one of our year 5 staff members at Marlbrook School," she said.

"The member of staff tested positive on a routine lateral flow test yesterday evening.

"We have followed the national guidance and all children and adults in that year group bubble have been isolated for the next 10 days."

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Marlbrook Primary School, which had 605 pupils on roll in 2018/19, said those children and staff will be able to return on March 8, the same day as schools reopen to all pupils.

From January 18, the Government has arranged the faster lateral flow tests, which give a result without being processed by a laboratory, for primary school staff.

"Staff have been been asked to take their test kits home and carry out the test twice a week, with a result given in around 30 minutes.

"Testing is not mandatory for staff and staff do not need to provide proof of a negative test result to attend school or nursery in person, although participation in testing is strongly encouraged," the Government website said.

Herefordshire Council recently announced the opening of the school's £6 million extension, which has brought new classrooms and sports facilities.