TWO entire year groups at a primary school have been told to self-isolate after a Covid-19 outbreak in the surrounding area.

Bevendean Primary School wrote to the parents of Year 5s and 6s to reveal a cluster of positive coronavirus cases in the local community.

The children must stay home for two weeks and not return to the Brighton school until at least Friday, November 20.

READ MORE: Brighton no longer has the highest coronavirus rate in Sussex

The letter from Martyn Giddens, headteacher of the school in Heath Hill Avenue, said: "We have been made aware that there have been confirmed positive cases of coronavirus (Covid-19) within the Bevendean community.

"We have followed the national guidance and sought advice from Public Health England and have identified that our Year 5 and Year 6 bubble has been affected.

"If your child is well at the end of the 14 days period of self-isolation, then they can return to usual activities.

"Other members of your household can continue normal activities provided your child does not develop symptoms within the 14 day self-isolation period.

The Argus:

The students must stay home for two weeks 

"Siblings do not have to self-isolate and can come to school as normal."

The pupils, between the ages of 9 and 11, must remain at a single address for the time period, as per government guidelines.

They should not have visitors, including friends and family, unless they are providing emergency or medical assistance.

They must not go to school, or visit public areas and should not go shopping.

If you are quarantining in England, you must only exercise within your home or garden. You cannot leave your home to walk your dog.

The NHS guidance says symptoms of coronavirus in children include a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change to sense of smell or taste.

READ MORE: Latest coronavirus cases in Brighton and Sussex

A spokesman said: “If your child has any of the main symptoms of coronavirus, get a test to check if they have coronavirus as soon as possible.

“Stay at home and do not have visitors until you get the test result – only leave your home to have a test.

“Anyone you live with, and anyone in your support bubble, must also stay at home until you get the result.”