A STUDENT at a Thatcham school has tested positive for Covid-19, just days after schools reopened.

Pupils who had come into contact with the student will not be coming into school for the next two weeks, according to a message sent to those attending the Stoney Lane secondary school.

READ MORE: Reading: Map reveals which areas have seen the most Covid-19 deaths

A letter from the school sent out to parents reads: "We have been advised by Public Health England that there has been a confirmed case of Covid-19 within the school.

"We know that you may find this concerning but we are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England.

"This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child.

"The small number of children who have been in direct prolonged contact with the confirmed case will have received an individual letter and will be staying at home for 14 days."

Reading Chronicle:

A statement realised today from Kennet School said: "On Tuesday evening, Kennet School were advised that a pupil had received a positive test result for coronavirus.

"Following an immediate collaboration with Public Health England, the school set about investigating the situation in order to implement any response required.

"Following the PHE enquiries and guidance, there are twenty pupils within the school community who are self-isolating for fourteen days as a precaution, all of whom are able to access their learning remotely.

"Their families are not required to self-isolate and the full guidance applies if they do develop symptoms."

The school said there is a "rigid cleaning regime" in place, which sees every classroom desk and chair cleaned with anti-viral solution at the end of every lesson regardless of who is using it the following lesson.

They added that a deep clean is undertaken every evening by a professional cleaning company with additional cleaning in high use areas throughout the school day.

Every member of staff and every pupil has access to hand cleaning/sanitising stations on entry to every building and sanitises their hands at least five times a day.

The statement continues: "Kennet has a very rigid approach to managing pupils and staff with symptoms and all are advised not to attend school but to stay at home and book a test immediately.

"With the confirmed case, this is the exact process that was followed and the entire family had self-isolated whilst waiting for test results.

"The school will continue to use this routine for all members of the school community and pupils were reminded of all regulations that have supported the individual, their year group and the school to enable lessons to continue for everyone else.

"Pupils adhere to the one way systems around the site and the staggered nature of the school day has been adapted for the return to school so that all areas of the school site are managed carefully."

Head teacher Mrs Piper said: “We commend our entire community for focusing on supporting each other and respecting the regulations to protect every individual here at school every day as well as those at home.

"The school have continued to work with Public Health England and will do so going forward as we all learn to live in this highly controlled environment and as a sense of normality returns. It is essential nobody takes these measures for granted and we, as a school, will continue to ensure they are high profile throughout the school day.”

Covid-19 cases are beginning to see an increase again since lockdown was eased, prompting the government to reintroduce restrictions on social gatherings, allowing groups of up to no more than six to meet.

This will come into effect on Monday, September 14.

READ MORE: Reading School fails to make adjustments for boy to sit 11-plus exam

The number of recorded coronavirus cases in Reading has increased by five in the last 24 hours, official figures show.

Public Health England figures show that 895 people had been confirmed as testing positive for Covid-19 by 9am on Wednesday (September 9) in Reading, up from 890 the same time on Tuesday.