Ashby School has issued a coronavirus update confirming positive tests from a 'small number of students' - and says it has serious consequences as 'between 20 and 60' must self-isolate for 14 days for every case.

Head teacher Geoff Staniforth wrote to parents again this week and says keeping the spread of the virus to a minimum means 'difficult times'.

Now a Virtual School has been launched for pupils who have been told to isolate during the coronavirus crisis or have other illnesses.

Mr Staniforth says that the majority of cases can be traced back to contacts outside of school.

Those pupils are isolating until next Monday - 14 days after the positive tests.

Mr Staniforth also referred to the manner of exchanges with parents adding: "I ask that you use the same respect and tone in emails and telephone calls that you would expect to receive yourself."

The school says it is continuing to follow strict coronavirus guidelines to ensure the safety of students and staff.

All those involved have been asked to isolate in accordance with government guidelines.

Like all schools, Ashby School is working closely with Public Health England to monitor the situation.

Mr Staniforth's letter said: "As you are aware we are in the middle of a national lockdown, where there are clear procedures to follow, in order to minimise the spread of coronavirus.

"I would urge you to follow these instructions, and ensure your son or daughter returns straight home once they have left school and that they remain at home.

"We have had several positive cases over the last week, the majority of which can be tracked back to out-of-school contacts.

"A positive case in school does have serious consequences.

Ashby School students told to self-isolate for 14 days.

"As you are aware, it is not possible to maintain full social distancing in a secondary school, so through tracking and tracing close contacts, we then have to ask between 20 and 60 students to go home and self-isolate for 14 days for every positive case.

"These are very difficult times for everyone and we are doing our best for all the students.

"I appreciate how frustrating this can be, but I would ask that you use the same respect and tone in emails and telephone calls that you would expect to receive yourself.

"For those who are not able to attend lessons, there is now Virtual School - a digital initiative set up to enable students to continue their learning, even when they are away from class, because of Covid-19 or other illness.

"The platform means students can access online teaching materials to support their learning and delivery of the national curriculum.

"New learning and teaching materials are regularly uploaded to the digital platform, ensuring a consistent learning experience so all students can benefit from the school's expertise.

"It will also give students the opportunity to practise or revise areas they have previously covered in school and identify areas where they need extra support."

Ali Jackson, Assistant Headteacher and Director of Teaching and Learning, said: "Students' learning is at the forefront of our minds as we continue to adhere to government guidelines in response to the evolving Covid-19 situation.

"The launch of Ashby's new Virtual School is a proactive step to put students' learning at the heart of our response and to make sure that we do everything we can to ensure no student gets left behind."