School to stay shut on Friday after pupils' illness

Congleton High School will stay shut for the rest of the week, according to a letter to staff and parents

A school is set to remain closed for the remainder of the week following high numbers of pupils suffered flu-like symptoms, a headteacher has said.

Congleton High School in Cheshire was first shut on Wednesday, to enable a deep clean of the building.

The school was set to reopen on Monday, headteacher Heidi Thurland said in a letter to parents.

However, public health officials at Cheshire East Council said children and staff must not attend if they experience diarrhoea, vomiting, Covid-19, influenza-like illness or a high temperature.

Teaching would continue on Friday via the Arbor remote learning platform, Ms Thurland confirmed.

"We have been impressed with the engagement of students who have been well enough to do so," she added.

'Support from community'

The school has taken advice from the UK Health Security Agency, as well as Cheshire East Council's health protection team and infection control team.

"Our priority throughout this has been the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff," Ms Thurland said.

"I would like to acknowledge the support from the community in appreciating the steps we have needed to take."

Infection rates remained high among students and staff her letter added.

"We are very much looking forward to welcoming our community back to school. We anticipate we will be fully open to all students on Monday.

"I will aim to communicate this decision on Sunday by 16:00 GMT."