STUDENTS were sent home to self-isolate amid coronavirus fears.

Meadow Vale Primary School in Moordale Avenue, Bracknell sent a number of pupils home today after they returned from their holidays in Italy — an area affected by the killer virus.

The move was a 'precautionary step' so other students aren't affected by the coronavirus (Covid - 19).

Catherine Forrester, headteacher at the school, said: "I can confirm a small number of students were sent home from school today after returning from Italy.

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"This was a precautionary step while we awaited advice from the local authority and we have since allowed the students back into school.

"We’re continuing to work with the local authority to follow advice from Public Health England in relation to the coronavirus (COVID-19) which is available here: www.gov.uk/coronavirus.”

This is the fourth school in Berkshire to have sent pupils home who returned from their half-term holidays in Italy.

LVS Ascot confirmed this morning that 32 pupils and five staff members have been told to quarantine themselves with their families for 14 days amid coronavirus fears.

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It comes after a group of pupils took part in a ski trip in San Martino di Castrozza resort in Northern Italy and returned on Saturday, February 22.

National media reports have said pupils and staff at The Holt School in Holt Lane were told to quarantine themselves after returning home 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.

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