A WINDSOR school has sent pupils home after a student returned from a half-term holiday destination affected by the coronavirus.

St Peter's Church of England Middle School in Crimp Hill, Old Windsor has closed for the day to carry out a "precautionary clean", following government health advice.

It comes after a number of schools have been forced to close amid coronavirus fears. 

Andy Snipp, headteacher at St Peter's said: "As you are aware I took the precaution this morning of shutting the school for the day. As I am sure you will appreciate this is never an easy decision to make however, it is one that was necessary.

"I received information late last night that one of our students had returned from a half term break to a location which is broadly part of an affected area.

"Following the recent advice from the government and after speaking to the Trust and members of the Governing Body, I took the decision as Headteacher that we required a further anti-bacterial clean this morning and I would not have the available time and resources to complete this whilst also accommodating staff and students on site. In my opinion this was the correct and only course of action."

"I must repeat that this is simply a precaution and were I to have been aware sooner then we would have completed the clean prior to the opening of the school. I appreciate your support and understanding in this matter."

National media reports have also said pupils and staff at The Holt School in Holt Lane, Wokingham were told to stay at home after returning from a half term skiing trip to Claviere in Piedmont, Italy.

The Mail Online reports that the girls school took students on the trip between February 14 and February 22.