A member of The Isle of Wight College community has tested positive for coronavirus and staff, students and parents/carers have been notified, its principal has confirmed.

A 'small number' of students and staff have been contacted individually and asked to self-isolate.

Debbie Lavin said: “We understand the anxiety this news will cause our college community and I want to reassure staff, parents and students that we have stringently followed government guidelines and are working closely with the public health team.

“It is important that we continue to provide education on-site to our students and in order to maintain this, I cannot stress enough the absolute necessity of maintaining social distancing at all times.”

The college has contacted the relevant public bodies and implemented 'robust plans' for dealing with a confirmed case of Covid-19.

It says Public Health England, the Isle of Wight Council and unions are all aware.

Chair of governors, Dr Nicholas England DL, said he was absolutely assured the management team were effectively implementing agreed procedures and he was confident the college remained safe for staff and students.