BLACON High School has been forced to close for the rest of the month after an outbreak of coronavirus.

The school currently has eight positive cases affecting three students, three teachers and two support staff.

As a result, headteacher Rachel Hudson says the staffing levels have been impacted to a point where they have no choice but to close the school until November 2.

She said the decision has "not been taken lightly".

In a letter to parents and carers, Mrs Hudson said: "As you will be aware, we have been managing a number of positive cases of Covid-19 within school.

"We now have 8 positive cases; 1 student in Year 9, 2 students in Year 11, 3 teachers and 2 support staff.

"We remained Covid free up to the 30th September but the numbers are such that the staffing levels related to Covid mean that we now need to close to all students and staff.

"This decision has not been taken lightly. I have reviewed the situation with the Department for Education, Public Health, Cheshire West and Chester Council and Governors.

"We will therefore be closing at the end of today, which will provide 13 clear days for the school to be closed, deep cleaned and ready to reopen to ALL students on Monday 2nd November.

"Any students who have been identified as a direct contact of a positive case, will be informed by letter of the period of isolation. Some parents have expressed concern over some families not following this guidance.

"I would like to remind you that there is a legal duty to self-isolate, which came into force on the 28th September to ensure compliance and reduce the spread of Covid-19. We all have a duty to protect each other, to follow the guidelines and to keep everyone safe.

"Work will continue to be provided for all students on Google Classroom and paper resources have been sent to any students without access to a laptop. Students are expected to engage fully with all work up to and including 23rd October.

"Further ICT equipment has been requested from the DfE and we will keep you updated on this.

"In the meantime, please keep up to date with information on the news feed on our school website and on social media. If you have any questions or wish to contact the school, please email lrose@blaconhigh.cheshire.sch.uk

"Thank you in advance for your support. We look forward to all students returning on Monday 2nd November."