SEVERAL North-East schools have confirmed positive Covid-19 cases - with some deciding to close to certain year groups.

Schools in Staindrop, Consett, Shiney Row and Nunthorpe are among those that have reported new coronavirus since the start of the week.

A soft play centre in Darlington has also announced its temporary closure following a customer testing positive last week.

Parents have reported that they have received a letter from Staindrop Academy in Cleatlam Lane on Monday, which confirms the school has had a confirmed case of Covid-19.

In the letter, parents are advised that the school has carried out a full risk assessment and that those in receipt of the letter 'do not' need to make any changes to their child's routine.

It said it had identified all those who had been in 'close contact' with the affected case and was asking them to self-isolate for 14 days. 

St Patrick's Primary School in Ryhope, near Sunderland, is asking all children in reception to sell-isolate for 14 days after a positive Covid-19 test.

Yesterday, it said it would be carrying out a deep clean and that it had informed Public Health England to undertake a risk assessment.

In a later update, it said all children from Year 1 to Year 6 can return to school from Wednesday, and all reception children can return from September 21.

Shiney Row Primary School has closed to both Year 1 and Year 6 groups after a 'confirmed' case within the school.

In a letter to parents, dated Sunday, the school's headteacher advised that all those who had been in 'close contact' with the affected case had been identified and asked to self-isolate. 

In an update on Tuesday, it said it was making resources available for parents of affected pupils to collect from outside the office. 

Yesterday, Consett Academy confirmed there had been a positive Covid-19 case reported in the school. 

It said the school remains open however, a small number of students are self-isolating.

Parents with children at St Robert of Newminster in Washington have reported that its sixth form department has closed this week.

Today, Nunthorpe Academy confirmed it had seen a Covid-19 case and was asking those who had been in 'close contact' to self-isolate until September 22. 

In a statement, the school said: "If you have not received a phone call identifying your child or class, then your child has not been identified as a close contact, and therefore does not need to make any change to their usual routine, including school attendance."

Belmont School yesterday confirmed that a member of non-teaching staff had tested positive for Covid-19. 

The school said: "I would like to reassure you that the member of staff has not been in school since Thursday morning and had no contact with any children.

"I have been liaising with Public Health England and any members of staff who came into close contact are self-isolating in line with government guidance.

"I will continue to update you of any further instances that occur and who they may affect. Rest assured that the health and well being of the children, staff and wider community."

​This information is subject to change and we advise concerned parents to contact the individual schools for latest guidance.