Nearly 900 pupils across Medway are currently not in school because of Covid-19.

Children from primary to secondary school age are isolating for 10 days because they have been in contact with somebody who has tested positive.

A total of 16 schools in the Towns have reported active cases to Medway Council and there are currently 53 pupils who have contracted the virus.

Ria Carpenter, the council's Covid-19 communication officer, said: "We have been continuously working with schools to ensure they receive the necessary advice and support throughout."

Seven primary, seven secondary and two special needs schools – including Bradfields in Chatham – have notified the authority.

Further afield in Kent almost 12,000 pupils were off school in the last week of last month

While this figure seems high, it equates to an attendance rate of 93.5% for primary schools and 86.2 for secondary schools. Not all schools return the numbers.

Statistics on attendance rates reveal a mixed picture of the impact of the pandemic, but there have been concerns over the growing number of children absent.

The government is expected to end in the autumn automatic self-isolation for children.

Teachers have complained that current guidance is too restrictive and can be disruptive.

Parents may be able to claim a £500 government grant if their children are sent home to isolate.

Martin Lewis, founder of website Money Saving Expert, is among those reminding parents who find themselves being called home at short notice to investigate whether they can claim the payment, which has to be applied within 42 days of a child's first day of isolation.

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