Schools in the borough are being hit by outbreaks of Covid in younger unvaccinated pupils.

The levels are reported to have reached epidemic levels in at least one year seven group - aged 11-12 – at a leading Borough secondary.

More than 10per cent of the pupils are understood to be away from the school as a result of having Covid or being a close contact.

The school in question is due to be making a decision on how to conduct lessons amid concerns that a number of teachers are also having to self-isolate. This could involve a return to some form home schooling.

The high absence levels have a knock-on effects on families in the area with parents required to stay home.

According to official data there are currently more cases of Covd-19 in the under 15s than in any other age group. There were some 221 cases recorded in children aged 10-14 in the borough in the most recent seven day period and the figure was a higher 259 in those aged 5-9.

By comparison the figure was just 27 in those aged 15-19 and 22 in those aged 20-24.

The outbreaks have emerged as the government is coming under pressure to extend vaccination to under 12s. Current policy states that only children aged 12 and over qualify for a single jab.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is currently considering the medical evidence for pushing ahead with a wider programme and a decision could come as soon as today.

Professor Anthony Harnden, deputy chair of the JCVI, said it is important to ensure any expansion of the vaccine programme was "done in a sensible order" to protect vulnerable groups.

At the weekend the Department for Education announced that children in year seven and above should wear face coverings in communal areas in all English schools.

This is part of wider changes to the law, which are due to come into effect on Tuesday, for a requirement to wear masks in shops and on public transport.

Under the new guidance, all staff, visitors and pupils in Year 7 - the first year of secondary school - or above, are "strongly advised" to wear a covering, unless exempt.

The measure covers all education establishments including universities, as well as childcare settings such as early years care.

The guidance does not mean masks should be worn in classrooms but it is advised that they are worn in communal areas like corridors.

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said: "The news of a new variant - the so-called Omicron variant - will have understandably caused concern for people across our country, including our teachers, wider education and childcare staff, parents, pupils and students.

"We are already taking targeted and proportionate action as a precaution while we find out more information about the new variant.

"As we do so, we will continue to prioritise children's and young people's education and wellbeing, making sure education and childcare settings are as safe as possible and children continue to benefit from classroom teaching.

"We are working with education and childcare settings to enhance safety measures where needed, including introducing isolation for 10 days for close contacts of suspected Omicron cases.

"I'd like to thank everyone working to support our children and young people for their patience and hard work."

The guidance is temporary and will be reviewed in three weeks, the Department for Education said.

Students in Year 7 or above should also continue to wear face coverings on public and dedicated school transport, unless they are exempt, the DfE said, and staff and students should continue to be encouraged to test themselves twice a week using lateral flow tests.