All Phase 3 pupils attending a special needs school in Dartford have been told to self-isolate after a staff member tested positive for coronavirus.

Milestone Academy, which teaches students aged 2-19 with special educational needs, informed parents that the affected children, in year groups 7-11, should not return to school until October 7.

The staff member was solely involved with Phase three pupils on the main site, meaning other year groups and sites are not affected.

A letter to parents read: “I am writing to provide you with further information and guidance in relation to the confirmed case of Covid-19 that we have at the academy involving a member of staff in Phase 3 who carried out their duties solely on the main site.

“To clarify the current situation, all pupils in Phase 3 have been asked to self-isolate for 14 days since they were last in school which means your child should remain home until Tuesday October 6 and then return to school on Tuesday October 7.

“Other members of your household do not need to self-isolate at the present time unless your child develops Covid-19 symptoms.

“Public Health England have advised that with these measures the school can continue to operate as normal in line with our Covid secure guidelines

“We will, however, be reminding all members of the school community that they should continue to monitor for any news Covid-like symptoms they may develop.”