A primary school is set to close after an outbreak of coronavirus cases. 

Stockbridge Primary and Pre-School will close indefinitely following the news that three people had tested positive for Covid-19. 

In a letter to parents, headteacher Emma Jefferies said that three cases had been reported following testing at the school yesterday (October 6).

She said anyone who came into contact contact with the affected individuals has already been contacted and told to self-isolate.

As a result, following guidance from Public Health England’s Health Protection Team, the bubbles for years four, three, one and reception were sent home “as there is insufficient staff for these bubbles at present” once contact tracing had been carried out.

From tomorrow, Thursday, October 8, the school will close for all bubbles and years due to the impact on staffing, with children to “stay at home and learn online as they did during lockdown,” using Google Classroom.

Virtual meetings will be held on Friday for the pupils, and any student requiring the loan of a tablet or Chromebook for online learning has been asked to contact the headteacher directly via e.jefferies@stockbridge.hants.sch.uk.

The school said: “We are working hard, in liaison with Hampshire County Council and following the advice of Public Health England, to keep all of us as safe as possible. We know that this isn’t an ideal situation for any of us and we are working collaboratively to find a solution for the following week and will come back to you as soon as we have that, by the latest, end of the day Friday this week.”

“I know that as a community, this will be a time of challenge but we have managed brilliantly through all the challenges thus far, and I know we will continue with this going forwards. Thank you for your positive messages of support for staff too in the last 24hrs.”

In the seven days to October 2, 34.9 new cases were recorded for every 100,000 people in Test Valley - up from 15.9 the previous week.