HALF the students from a Dorset school are isolating after a single Covid case.

Forty-seven students from Symondsbury Primary School, Bridport, are isolating after one person within the school tested positive for Covid-19. Nine staff are also isolating.

Students are expected to return to school on Monday, July 19 in time for the final week of term.

Emma Roberts, headteacher of the school, which has roughly 100 pupils, said: "As a school we were commended earlier in the year by the Health and Safety Executive for our approach to managing Covid safety within our school family, being praised for going above and beyond in many ways.

"But even the most thorough of procedures cannot eliminate all risks and we have acted promptly in light of the news of a confirmed case in Key Stage 1.

"Above all we are thankful that the individual concerned is not too unwell and so far we haven't heard of any other cases.

"The health and well-being of our pupils is central to everything and our thoughts and prayers are with all the families and staff in Key Stage 1 for whom this is a disappointment, coming as it does so close to the end of term.

"We are in close contact with Public Health England and the local authority and continue to follow strict adherence to Department for Education guidelines to do all we can to enable Key Stage 2, and classes 3 and 4 to remain open.

"Our pupils, staff and all the school families have been absolutely amazing through out the last challenging year and we are so proud of all they have achieved, their continued positivity and their understanding of the procedures we must follow.

"We hope that we are still going to be able to finish the summer term on a happy and hopeful note despite this set back and I would like to thank everyone at the school for all their support at this time."