Rats spotted at Sunderland school before two-day closure for deep clean following sickness bug outbreak

Parents have raised concerns after videos began circulating on social media of rats on the Academy 360 site earlier this month.

Rentokil, a pest control and cleaning company, were hired by the school to carry out the deep clean on Wednesday and Thursday, November 20 and 21.

The Pennywell school has confirmed sightings of vermin in ‘our community’ but have looked to reassure parents and students that there is no threat to children’s health.

One parent, whose daughter attends the school, said: “I’ve seen various reports and videos online of rats at the school. My daughter’s friends have seen the rats – actually on a day when she was off sick.

“She’s had a lot of viruses lately and I’m concerned about germs that rats could be bringing into the school."

The school was closed for two days this week following a 'significant’ number of absences – with children demonstrating symptoms linked to influenza and norovirus – including fever, sore throat and vomiting.

Earlier this month, the school took to social media to address concerns about rat sightings but has tried to reassure parents again following the closure.

In a letter to parents, headteacher Rachel Donohue said: “We are delighted to re-open Academy 360 today following our closure earlier this week. We welcome children in all phases back to school.

“As you are aware, our closure was as a result of the significant number of students reporting symptoms of fever, sore throat and vomiting.

“We took decisive action to safeguard other children and staff from illness when we closed our school to deploy the services of a professional company, Rentokil: Rentokil is a property care company offering a range of commercial hygiene services who were deployed to deep clean Academy 360 over a two day period.

“I am pleased to share that this has been completed to the highest possible standard and I extend my thanks to the company for their good work.

“Following recent sightings of vermin in various areas of our community, I can assure you that there is no threat to public health at your child’s school. Additional steps have been taken and professional agencies have inspected the site and confirmed that the school meets health and safety standards in all areas. At no point have children been put at risk.

“I would also like to take the opportunity to thank our parents/carers for their support during the closure. The vast majority of feedback received has been positive and supportive of our actions that acknowledge a rapid and appropriate response.

“The health and safety of children and staff is always a top priority. Parents should contact the school if they have a specific concern that they wish to discuss.”

Around 60 school in the North East have reported sickness bug-related absences, according to Public Health England.

George Washington Primary School also closed for two days due to 'severe' illness outbreak.

Public Health England North East’s health protection team is working with local authorities across the region after receiving reports from schools of flu and other winter viral illnesses amongst pupils.

Dr Gayle Dolan, Consultant in Health Protection for PHE NE, said: “Around 60 schools across the region are reporting absences due to symptoms of likely viral illness including influenza (flu) and norovirus.

“We expect viral illnesses of this kind to circulate in schools and the community at this time of year and we have been providing advice to parents and schools to help reduce the spread of infection.

“Flu can be extremely unpleasant for young children but for most healthy people it is a self-limiting illness. Some people including older people, those with long-term medical conditions or weakened immune systems can be more at risk of developing complications and should seek prompt medical assessment if they develop symptoms of flu.”