A HALESOWEN school has closed its kitchens after a member of staff tested positive for coronavirus.

Earls High sent pupils home at lunchtime today (Monday November 23) and has closed its kitchens for two weeks.

The school on Furnace Lane sent the whole of year 10 home on Friday for two weeks after a positive case.

It sent an e mail to parents today stating: "We have just been notified that due to a positive case in our kitchen staff our kitchens will be closed for two weeks.

"This means that we will not be able to provide food for students in school during this time.

"As we are unable to provide food to students today we will be closing at lunchtime.

"Students will be asked to make their own way home.

"If there is a problem with this e mail or call and we will keep students in school until they can be collected."

It goes on: "Students who are eligible for free school meals will be able to collect a meal before they leave.

"From tomorrow we hope to open as normal but all students will need to provide their own lunches when they come to school.

"Those eligible for free school meals will be provided for."

The school sent year 10 pupils home on Friday after a positive coronavirus case in the "school community."

A letter to parents on Friday stated: "Unfortunately we have just heard of a confirmed case of coronavirus in our school community and as a result there could be quite a number of contacts.

"As a precautionary measure, while we complete our contact tracing we will be sending students from Year 10 home today."

Parents were later told that year ten would be off school for two weeks.