A PRIMARY school has closed after an outbreak of Covid-19.

The Globe Primary Academy in Lancing announced its full closure on Monday, following " a very big rise in positive cases" last week and over the weekend.

Year groups were told to isolate last week after several positive cases among staff and pupils.

Initially one adult and three children had tested positive in a Year 4 class, followed by a further six children and one adult in a Year 5 class.

After eight year group bubbles were closed with pupils told to isolate, the decision was taken to shut the school for at least a week.

Live lessons are being provided online while pupils remain at home.

In a statement on its Facebook page, the school said: "You will be aware that there has been a very big rise of positive cases of Covid-19 throughout last week and also over this weekend.

"We will ensure that the school is thoroughly deep cleaned over the course of next week and we hope to welcome children back to school on Monday, July 5.

"We know that this is disappointing news and will be an inconvenience to some of you. However, we hope that you understand that this decision has been made in the best interests of our children and families, and the staff at The Globe Primary Academy."

The school is providing updates on cases through its Facebook page, and yesterday reported that some children have developed symptoms over the last couple of days and are having tests.

The statement read: "These cases do not impact the class bubbles now due to the time frame of when symptoms appeared.

"For those children self-isolating at home because you have had close contact with someone who has tested positive outside school we also wish you the best. There are 18 of you.

"Some of our parents have also had positive test results. Please know that we are thinking of you.

"We completely understand how hard this situation is on everyone."