South Yorkshire school closed for two days following norovirus outbreak

Brampton Ellis Primary, in Rotherham, said it will be closing both Thursday and Friday this week due to the “significant number” of children who are off school with the winter vomiting bug.

After consultation with Public Health England, the school will be closed in order to carry out a deep clean on both of its sites in West Melton to prevent the spread of further infection.

This means that all after school clubs will be cancelled on both November 28 and 29 before the school reopens as usual on Monday, December 2.

Public Health England said it is aware of the norovirus outbreak in Yorkshire.

The stomach bug, which normally causes flu-like symptoms and sickness, can spread very easily through either close contact with someone with the illness, touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them then touching your mouth or eating food that's been prepared or handled by someone with norovirus.

Health officials say they expect illnesses of this kind to circulate in schools and the community at this time of year noting the flu vaccination is the best form of protection again the virus.

People are encouraged to wash their hands thoroughly and frequently with soap – especially after eating or using the toilet – and to avoid using alcohol-based hand gels as they don’t kill norovirus.

Rotherham Council said: “Brampton Ellis Primary School has closed due to staff and pupils experiencing gastric flu type symptoms. Cortonwood Infant School will also be closed on Friday, November 29, due to pupils and staff being affected with similar gastric flu symptoms.

“Both schools are using guidance and advice from Public Health England and are arranging a deep clean to facilitate a full opening of school on Monday, December 2.”

Advice for parents, pupils and staff on the winter sickness bug from Public Health England can be found on the council website.