ONE YEAR group is in self-isolation after a pupil at a Basingstoke primary school tested positive for coronavirus.

Year 2 pupils and staff at Fairfields Primary School in Council Road have been sent home today after the positive case was reported.

A letter sent to parents this morning from headteacher Kelly Dillon confirmed the news, asking parents not to bring their children in the affected year group to school.

"We have had a confirmed case of Covid in Year 2 this morning," the letter read.

"I have been in contact with Public Health England and a further letter will be sent home to explain that only year 2 pupils and staff will need to isolate for 14 days."

Speaking to the Gazette, Miss Dillon confirmed that the year group had been issued with packs of work in the event that the bubble had to self-isolate, and that online lessons would start on Friday.

She added that the school had been preparing for this eventuality following reports of cases at nearby secondary schools.

"We sent out the packs on Friday because our local secondary schools had started to get cases," she said.

"So we were expecting a case at some point this week.

"I commend the staff for everything they have been doing to get ready."

Parents have been given stationary to help their children learn and those that need a laptop have had one sent to them.

Parents whose children are entitled to free school meals have been issued vouchers, and food parcels will also be sent to some parents.

"We have got a plan," Miss Dillon added.

"We are really committed to keeping our school safe.

"We have prepared for both eventualities - if it is a group of children or a whole year group.

"I feel like we are as organised as we can be under the circumstances."

All other year groups are attending school as normal and Year 2 will return on December 9, providing there are no further cases.