School shut over flu-like infection

Wednesday 11th November 2009, 10:33AM GMT.

A Shropshire school has closed because more than half of the pupils and staff are absent or displaying flu-like symptoms.

Tilstock CE Primary School, near Whitchurch, is closed on a temporary basis due to the number of staff off sick.

Shropshire Council says more than half of the teaching and support staff are off sick or have flu-like symptoms with a similar proportion of pupils affected.

Tim Smith, assistant director for children and young people’s services, said it is hoped the closure will stop the infection from spreading.

He said: “The decision has been taken to safeguard the health, welfare and safety of the school’s pupils and staff and to restrict the spread of further infection.

“We will monitor the situation with the school on a daily basis following Health Protection Agency advice.”

Mr Smith said a decision on reopening the school will be taken when sufficient numbers of healthy staff are available to return to work.

The school has 60 pre-school and school-aged pupils on its roll. It was closed yesterday.

Further updates will be on the council website www.shropshire.gov.uk

Mr Smith people concerned a child has flu-like symptoms should call the National Pandemic Flu service on 0800 1513100 or visit www.pandemicflu. direct.gov.uk

View more: Shropshire Council news, Tilstock news, Whitchurch news.