A REDDITCH school has now closed for all pupils after a member of staff tested positive for Covid-19.

Matchborough First School Academy has become 'non-operational' as a number of teaching staff have been advised to self-isolate by public health officials.

A letter for parents on the school's website confirms it will be closed from today (Monday, October 5) until Thursday, October 15.

"We have been made aware that a member of staff at the school has now tested positive for Covid-19," the letter reads.

"Unfortunately due to the number of staff now having to self-isolate as a precaution the school is non-operational due to staff being at home."

"Therefore on the advice of public health we are having to close the school for all pupils from Monday 5th October and we will re-open on Thursday 15th October."

Dr Kathryn Cobain, Director of Public Health for Worcestershire, said: "This case was quickly identified, and the school is being supported by Public Health.

"As a number of teaching staff have been identified as close contacts, the school has taken the decision to close.

"Those identified as contacts are now also self-isolating for 14 days in line with guidance and all children will continue their learning through remote access.”

Last week, public health officials appealed to residents to stop the spread of Covid-19 after a surge in positive cases in the district.

Worcestershire County Council said many of the new cases are not related to any known situation and could be prevented with the simple measures that individuals take in their day to day lives.

Public health teams are already working in the district and will continue to target interventions where needed, but said residents and their actions are the key to bringing the cases back down.