Sheffield primary school issues norovirus warning after outbreak of winter vomiting bug among pupils

In a newsletter sent to parents and carers, Mundella Primary School said they are currently experiencing "very high volumes" of children off school due to illness.

It said: "In light of this, could we respectfully remind you that if your child has sickness and/or diarrhoea, they do not return to school for 48 hours after their last episode.

"If your child has a medical condition ie. reflux that may cause vomiting not caused by a sickness bug, please contact the school office."

It was recently reported that a South Yorkshire junior school has been forced to close for two days due to the winter vomiting bug.

Brampton Ellis Primary, in Rotherham, was closed both Thursday and Friday (November 28 and 29) in order to carry out a deep clean on both of its sites in West Melton to prevent the spread of further inspection.

Public Health England said it was 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 own's mouth or eating food prepared or handled by someone carrying the virus.

Health officials say they expect illnesses of this kind to circulate in schools.