UPDATE: Penwortham primary school closed for deep-clean as 40 children and one staff member struck down by illness

Penwortham County Primary School has been closed after a sickness bug struck.
Penwortham County Primary School in Crookings Lane.
Image courtesy of Google.Penwortham County Primary School in Crookings Lane.
Image courtesy of Google.
Penwortham County Primary School in Crookings Lane. Image courtesy of Google.

The premises in Crookings Lane closed early yesterday and will be shut all day today. It is set to reopen on Monday after a deep-clean has been carried out.

The headteacher has confirmed that 40 children and one member of staff have been affected by the sickness bug.

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Parents have taken to social media, claiming lower years were most affected, some children were being sick in school on Thursday morning and in some classes, only a handful of pupils were able to be in attendance.

Penwortham County Primary School in Crookings Lane.
Image courtesy of Google.Penwortham County Primary School in Crookings Lane.
Image courtesy of Google.
Penwortham County Primary School in Crookings Lane. Image courtesy of Google.

Chris Mitchell, headteacher, said: “I can confirm that we have a suspected outbreak of a viral gastroenteritis, more commonly known as norovirus, at school. Both pupils and staff are affected.

“We’ve been very vigilant and followed usual procedures, including contacting Public Health England.

“We decided that the most effective action would be to close the school and carry out a deep clean, as a precautionary measure.

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“We’ve done all the right things to combat any further spread of the suspected norovirus, and we plan on school opening as normal on Monday.

“Parents are being kept fully informed about the situation and I would like to thank them for their support.”

It is advised that no pupil or member of staff should return to school until 48 hours after the last symptoms are experienced.