FIVE more schools across Dorset have confirmed cases of coronavirus - with one forced to close completely and move to a temporary remote learning programme.

St James’ CofE VC First School, based in Gaunts Common near Wimborne, has temporarily moved to remote learning following a number of coronavirus cases, which have forced students to self-isolate.

Pupils will return to school at the end of their self-isolation periods providing they have no symptoms of Covid-19.

Sam Crowe, Director of Public Health for Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Councils, said: “The school is working closely with Public Health Dorset, Dorset Council and Public Health England South West to ensure that all necessary measures are being met.

“Due to the need for pupils to self-isolate, the decision has been made for the school to move temporarily to remote learning. Pupils will return to school at the end of their self-isolation periods providing they have no symptoms of Covid-19.”

Gryphon School, based in Sherborne, remains open after a person tested positive for Covid-19.

The school, which has previously reported a number of coronavirus cases, has contacted all close contacts of the person with Covid-19 and they have been told to undergo a test if they develop symptoms and self-isolate for 14 days even if the test is negative.

St Andrew’s CE Primary School has also confirmed a single case of Covid-19 and has contacted students’ parents and carers.

The school, in Yetminster, which is following advice from Public Health Dorset, has also informed close contacts of the infected person to self-isolate and book a coronavirus test if they develop symptoms.

Trinity CofE VA First School in Verwood, has recently confirmed cases of Covid-19 and remains open during this time.

Public Health Dorset has noted that the people who tested positive were not in school during their infectious period so there is no requirement for any students or staff to self-isolate.

Parley First School, based in West Parley area of Ferndown, has also confirmed a case of coronavirus and identified close contacts who should self-isolate as a result.

Mr Crowe confirmed cases at the schools and said they are all working closely with Public Health Dorset, Dorset Council and Public Health England South West.

He said: “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 go on to develop symptoms. Even if people test negative, they must still self-isolate for 14 days.”

The news comes after Hillside First School in Verwood and Colehill First School in Wimborne each revealed they had confirmed cases of Covid-19 on Friday, November 13.

Both schools remain open and close contacts of the confirmed case at Hillside have been asked to self-isolate for 14 days.

Parents and carers have been informed by their respective children’s schools that if a child develops symptoms of Covid-19, he or she must be tested via the NHS online portal or by calling 119. The household should also isolate until they receive the test results giving the all-clear.