A Chingford primary school has told children to self-isolate at home after one pupil was found to have Covid-19.

Whitehall Primary School confirmed a child in reception had been infected wit the virus in a letter sent to parents yesterday (September 28).

All children in the affected pupil’s reception bubble were sent home to self-isolate and will return to the school near the Buckhurst Hill border on Monday, October 12.

Headteacher Zakia Khatun told parents: “We have been in contact with the Department for Education and Public Health Waltham Forest and have taken their advice at all times. They have confirmed that the actions and measures we have already taken have been in keeping with recommended guidance.

“We will continue to maintain the guidelines we have outlined in our risk assessment. We are working with Public Health and following their advice about what to do next.”

The school will remain open for all other year groups and pupils with sibling in reception have been advised not to self-isolate and remain at school.

Reception classes will pivot to remote learning during the duration of the self-isolation period.

Ms Khatun added: “We fully understand that this news will cause you to feel anxious about sending your children to school. We are doing everything we can to keep children safe and following all the guidelines.

“This includes children remaining in bubbles, not mixing with children in other bubbles, and washing/sanitising hands regularly throughout the day. Regular and additional cleaning has taken place throughout this time; however, we will now have an additional deep clean of the Reception setting.

“Unfortunately, I suspect, as the number of Covid-19 cases rise in Waltham Forest, we will see more schools sending children home.”