An academy and nursery has announced it has closed today.

 Prince Avenue Academy and Nursery, Hornby Avenue, Westcliff, has closed, after a parent has tested positive for coronavirus.

Parents were contacted this morning by the school, who were told a statement would be released later today. 

The statement reads: "We can confirm that we have been informed by a parent that they have the covid-19 virus and are currently hospitalised.

"The child of this parent was in school until yesterday and the parent was in school last Thursday meeting staff.

"The family will now be self-isolating.

"Following Public Health England advice we have cleaned any potentially infected areas this morning as allowed in the time available.

"We planned to remain open and did everything possible to achieve this however operational difficulties presented themselves this morning which meant that we are unable to open today.

"We will use this time to request a professional deep clean and reopen at the earliest opportunity.

"The health and safety of our children and staff are our highest priority and we will continue to seek advice and take any appropriate steps necessary.

"Updates will be provided on a regular basis via our website and parent communication apps (Dojo and Gateway)."

Schools are set to remain open amid the coronavirus pandemic, with the Government stating that schools would stay open, but "the situation is under review."

Southchurch High announced that it would partially close from today, with several teachers in self-isolation as a result of COVID-19.

Different year groups have been told to come on different days, with year 11 at the school still attending every day.