A YEAR group at a school in Taunton will be remote learning from home this week due to a 'rapid rise' in positive Covid-19 cases.

Heathfield Community School sent a letter to parents stating that Year 11 pupils will be completing their school work at home from today (October 4) until Friday (October 8).

The students will return to school on Monday, October 11, and they will need to take a PCR test within 48 hours before they head back to the classroom.

The letter states: "The rapid rise in cases within our school community is also impacting on our staffing levels, which requires staff to cover for each other in their absence.

"This means we cannot guarantee staff availability to provide live lessons online, however where staff are available live lessons will be offered.

"We look forward to welcoming your child back to school and thank you for your support at this challenging time."

All students at the school will now be expected to wear face coverings in all indoor communal areas of the school, except classrooms. This does not include students who are medically exempt.

The symptoms of Covid-19 include a new, continuous cough, a temperature, a loss or change in sense of taste and/or small, a headache and other flu-like symptoms.

"Brother and sisters of students who have tested positive (lateral flow or PCR) should stay at home until they return a negative PCR test result," the letter states.

"When booking a PCR if you are asked for the reason state 'you have have been directed to take a PCR by the local authority'.

"Students who have already tested positive on a PCR test in the last 90 days should not take another test if they are symptom free.

"If your child shows symptoms but returns a negative test result on a PCR please do not send your child to school until they are well and free of symptoms for 24 hours.

"Please report any positive cases to school at your earliest opportunity and confirm PCR results."

A spokesperson for Heathfield Community School said: “Public Health England South West and Somerset County Council’s Public Health and Education teams are working together to support pupils, parents and staff following confirmed cases of Covid-19 within the school. 

“A comprehensive deep clean of the school is being undertaken, educational and co-curricular visits have been suspended and following current guidance, the school continues to ensure confirmed cases of Covid-19 complete self-isolation at home.

"Pupils and staff will be asked to wear face coverings in communal areas and the school is putting in measures to increase social distancing, as well as remote learning for some year groups.”