A GROUP of pupils and a staff member at a Dorchester school are self-isolating after the school confirmed a case of Covid-19.

Dorchester Middle School has written to parents comfirming the case - with a group of Year 8 students now studying temporarily at home.

In a letter to parents on Thursday, headteacher Caroline Pluck said: "Having consulted with the Department for Education, and in line with their guidance, a group of Year 8 pupils and one member of staff have been asked to self isolate at home.

"The school remains open to all other pupils and staff who should continue to attend as normal if they remain well."

This comes a day after Westfield Arts College, a school for children with moderate and complex learning difficulties in Weymouth, announced a person at the school has tested positive for Covid-19.

Headteacher Seán Kretz, said: "The person who has tested positive was last in school on Friday, September 25. On the advice of Public Health England, a small number of staff and students have been asked to self-isolate for 14 days. The school will remain open during this period."

Sam Crowe, director of Public Health for Dorset and BCP councils, said: "We are aware confirmed cases of Covid-19 at Dorchester Middle School and Westfield Arts College.

"The schools are working closely with Public Health Dorset, Dorset Council and Public Health England South West to ensure that all necessary measures are being met.

"All close contacts of the confirmed cases have been notified and advised to self-isolate for 14 days. Contacts of the confirmed cases should get tested if they develop symptoms.

"Even if people test negative, they must still self isolate for 14 days."

The latest confirmed cases mean nine Dorset schools have now reported coronavirus cases.

Others include St Marks CE Primary School in Swanage, The Gryphon School in Sherborne, Yewstock School in Sturminster Newton, Merley First School in Oakley, Lytchett Minster School in Lytchett Minster, Queen Elizabeth's School in Wimborne Minster, and Gillingham School in Gillingham.

Dorset Council has advised any parents who are unsure whether their children have symptoms of coronavirus to use a symptom checker found at https://www.publichealthdorset.org.uk/your-health/protecting-your-health/child-illness-and-being-in-school.aspx