PUPILS from a number of classes and some staff at a Taunton primary school are self isolating following an outbreak of Covid-19.

Several new confirmed cases of the virus have been reported at St James Church School, in Cranmer Road.

Headteacher Nigel Johnson has written a series of letters to parents keeping them informed as each case emerged from late last week.

So far two members of staff and five pupils have the virus.

They are all said to be "doing well and taking all of the appropriate actions".

Mr Johnson wrote to parents and carers on Thursday telling them to keep Year 3 and 5 children at home after being informed a member of staff had the coronavirus.

Two days later it was confirmed that a Year 5 pupil had caught Covid-19 and on Sunday Mr Johnson revealed a Year 2 child had the virus.

As well as the affected classes, Year 1 children have been told to stay at home due to the "impact of staff absences".

Yesterday Mr Johnson wrote to say five pupils - three in Year 5 and two in Year 2 - were Covid-19 positive, along with one member of staff.

He has written to parents and carers again today (Tuesday) informing them that another member of staff has the virus.

Year 6 pupils have now been told to stay home.

In his latest letter, Mr Johnson writes: "We have been made aware that we have a confirmed positive staff case of coronavirus (Covid-19) at St James Church School.

"The staff member is doing well and taking all of the appropriate actions.

"We have followed the national guidance and have identified that your child has been in close contact withvthe affected adult.

"In line with the national guidance your child must stay at home and self-isolate until Monday 21st December meaning they can leave the house on Tuesday 22nd December."