A SCHOOL in Swanage has welcomed children back through the school gates for the first time since being forced to close for two weeks due to a confirmed coronavirus case.

As reported, one member of staff at St Mark's CE Primary School tested positive for Covid-19 after being on the school premises in early September.

Several other members of staff were asked to self-isolate and due to the small size of the school it said it had no other option but to close for the 14-day isolation period.

However, children were back at the school in High Street, Swanage, when it reopened this morning.

St Mark's CE Primary School is part of the Coastal Learning Partnership, which oversees 15 Dorset schools.

In a statement, Paul Howieson, chief executive officer of Coastal Learning Partnership, said: "We are delighted that the school is now able to re-open its doors and welcome its children back after the pandemic required the school's closure. 

"We are grateful to our parents and carers for their understanding, patience and positive support and we are thrilled to have the children back in the classroom."

The school is not the only Dorset educational establishment to report a confirmed case in its community since the start of the new academic year although it is the only site which has been forced to temporarily close.

Schools in Bournemouth, Christchurch, Ringwood, Wimborne, Sherborne and Sturminster have all reported positive Covid-19 cases to parents.