School shuts and SATs delayed over norovirus bug

A school has temporarily closed after staff and children became ill in a suspected norovirus outbreak.

Ferndown Middle School in Dorset has closed early for the weekend and postponed its SATs (Standard Assessment Tests) for Year 6 pupils.

In a message to parents, head teacher Grant Hopkins said he had received authorisation to postpone the tests, which will be rescheduled before 21 May.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it was providing guidance to the school to reduce the risk of ongoing infection.

Deputy head teacher Alysia Dolan said: "Our Year 6 students are in the middle of their SATs, but we are speaking with the Standards and Testing Agency about what can be done for those who have missed the tests because of the school closure.

"While the school is empty tomorrow and over the weekend it will be thoroughly cleaned and we anticipate everything being back to normal on Monday."

UKHSA health protection consultant Sarah Bird urged anyone affected by the virus to stay off nursery, school or work, and to avoid preparing food.

She said: "Minimise direct contact with others until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped.

"Do not visit your GP but do contact them if your symptoms continue for more than a few days.

"The most effective way to respond to illness is to clean and disinfect contaminated areas very thoroughly and to institute good hygiene measures including hand washing."

Norovirus infection leads to diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal or stomach cramps but most people tend to recover quickly.

SATs are assessments taken by primary school children in England during Key Stage 2, usually when pupils are aged 10 and 11, to check how they are getting on in English and Maths.