A primary school has put Covid-like measures in place after it became the second in Kent to confirm cases of Strep A among pupils.

Two youngsters have contracted the infection, with students being placed into " bubbles and zones" in a bid to avoid contamination.

The head teacher of Temple Grove Academy in Sherwood, Tunbridge Wells, alerted parents to the cases and the measures in place to help keep children safe.

Isabel Ramsay said the school in Friars Way would go back to "similar protocols that were in place during Covid."

She said: "There will be no PE or music, and playtime will be separated into zones to keep classes in their bubbles.

"There will be no assemblies – please do not come to school for any assembly you were invited to as they will not be running this week.

"Further information will be communicated on Friday."

Yesterday, St John's Primary School in Tunbridge Wells confirmed one of its pupils was in hospital after contracting Strep A.

It comes after parents were been issued with a rare health alert over rapidly increasing numbers of the infections.

The disease is believed to have led to the deaths of at least eight children and left hundreds of youngsters unwell.

Bacteria from the group A Streptococcus can cause different infections, ranging from minor illnesses to deadly diseases.

Parents were advised to remain vigilant and refer to the guidance sent by the school.

'It is really important to be vigilant and inform us if you think your child is presenting with any of the symptoms'

Mrs Ramsay added: "It is really important to be vigilant and inform us if you think your child is presenting with any of the symptoms alongside contacting your GP for antibiotics if necessary and keeping your child at home along with any siblings."

Strep A infections are usually mild and can be easily treated with antibiotics.

Illnesses caused by the Group A strep bacteria include skin infection impetigo, scarlet fever and strep throat.

There has been a big leap in the number of scarlet fever cases.

Infections can develop into a more serious invasive Group A Strep (iGAS) infection – though this is rare.

Temple Grove Academy did not want to comment.

There has also been a case at Fairview Primary School in Drewery Drive, Wigmore, Gillingham.

The school declined to comment.