A DORSET school has been forced to remain closed to students after a member of staff tested positive for coronavirus.

Yewstock School, which caters for children aged between two and 19 with severe, complex or moderate learning difficulties, is now undergoing a deep clean meaning classrooms are remaining shut to students.

Teachers were in the Sturminster Newton school for training days last week, but it is believed students had not yet returned.

Staff that came into close contact with the member of staff who tested positive for the virus have been encouraged to self-isolate for 14 days and get tested.

It is not yet known when the school will reopen.

Sam Crowe, director of public health for Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Councils, said: "We are aware that a member of staff from Yewstock School has tested positive for Covid-19.

"Public Health Dorset and Dorset Council are working with the school to make sure all necessary measures are in place. The school has closed as a precautionary measure for a deep clean and pupils will be returning to school slightly later than planned.

"All staff who are deemed to have been close contacts of the confirmed case have been notified and advised to self-isolate for 14 days. Contacts of the confirmed case should get tested if they go on to develop symptoms.

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

Mr Crowe added: “It's important we all follow the latest guidance by staying 2 metres apart from others, washing hands regularly, wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces and if you have any Covid-19 symptoms self-isolate straight away and book a test.”

Pupils across the county in all years have been welcomed back to schools and colleges this week for the first time since national lockdown came into effect on March 20.

In accordance with government guidelines, schools have put protective measures in place to keep staff and students safe, including the introduction of hand sanitisers.