MARGARET McMillan Primary School has confirmed another coronavirus case just one week after its first outbreak.

The Heaton school said the case "appears to be unrelated to the two previous cases" and is a "reflection of the high numbers of cases within the community".

Public Health England contacted the school last Monday to report its first case and asked the affected child to stay at home and self-isolate for 14 days.

Speaking today on the latest cases, a school spokesperson said: "Today we were advised by Public Health England that there had been a confirmed case of Covid-19 within the school. 

"They have informed us that this appears to be unrelated to the 2 previous cases and is a reflection of the high numbers of cases within the community. There are no links between the cases.  

"Following their advice and national guidance we identified the small number of children (the class bubble) who have been in close contact with the affected child and they have been asked to stay at home and self-isolate for 14 days as a precaution. These children are able to continue their learning remotely from home with their class teacher. 

"The school remains open and children should continue to attend if they remain well. We continue to follow government guidance including regular cleaning, handwashing and promoting social distancing on the school site. We wish to thank our parents for their support and understanding. If any member of the community begins to display symptoms we would urge them to self isolate and book a test, in order to slow down the spread of the virus."