A SCHOOL has been forced to close from today after the headteacher tested positive for Covid-19.

Church Walk Primary School in Ulverston has closed its doors to protect pupils and staff members after headteacher, Susan Davies, tested positive for coronavirus.

Pupils in three classes have been told to self-isolate due to being in close contact with Mrs Davies.

The majority of the teaching and non-teaching staff are also self-isolating which has led to the decision to close the school from today.

In a letter addressed to parents, Mrs Davies said: “I am writing to inform you that I have tested positive for Covid-19.

“I know that you may find this concerning but I am working closely with Public Health England and the local authority.

“This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child.

“Most of the teaching staff and the non-teaching staff are also having to self-isolate.

“This means that the governors have taken the decision to close the school.

“This decision has been taken in order to protect our staff and children and reduce the risk of any further spread of the virus, both at school and within the wider community.

“I will let you know when we can reopen as soon as I have spoken to Cumbria Public Health.”

Cambridge School in Barrow is also urging staff and pupils to self-isolate after two faculty members tested positive on Friday.

Headteacher Jenny Lavery issued a letter to parents of pupils who have been in close contact with staff confirmed with the virus and urged them to self-isolate.

She said: “This morning I was informed that two members of staff have tested positive for Covid-19.

“They are currently isolating with other members of their household having been off work since Tuesday and Wednesday.

“As your child has been in close contact, they now need to isolate immediately for 14 days from the date that they were last in contact with the positive case.”

The positive cases come days after Colin Cox, Cumbria’s director of public health, said it is ‘increasingly likely’ that tougher restrictions could be imposed on Barrow as cases continue to rise.