Sunderland school closed for deep clean following 'significant' sickness outbreak

Academy 3 closed for one day while a deep clean is carried out and will reopen on Thursday, November 21.

It comes following a ‘significant’ number of reports of students falling ill with symptoms linked with the flu and norovirus including fever, sore throat and vomiting.

Parents of students who show sickness symptoms are urged to keep their child off school until they have fully recovered.

The closure of the school, based in Pennywell, was confirmed on Facebook and Twitter and a picture of a letter which was sent to parents was also attached.

In a message to parents, headteacher Rachel Donohue said: “Unfortunately, due to significant number of students reporting symptoms including fever, sore throat and vomitting, Academy 360 will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday 20th November.

“This will allow us to complete a further deep clean of the school and enable us to reopen the school on Thursday 21st November.

“If your son or daughter begins to display any symptoms similar to those mentioned above, it is essential that they do not return to school until they have fully recovered.

“I apologise in advance for inconvenience this may cause however I am sure you will understand the reasons for this closure.

“Please note primary parents evening till be cancelled and rearranged at a later date.”

According to the latest Ofsted figures, more than 800 pupils attend Academy 360.

The school’s social media post also included a copy of a letter by Public Health England which provides further information about symptoms.

The letter states: “The North East Health Protection Team have been made aware that a number of children attending Academy 360, Sunderland, have reported recent illness with respiratory like symptoms, fever, sore throat, dizziness and vomiting.

“Viruses including influenza (flu) and norovirus can present with symptoms such as these and are a common cause of illness at this time of year in the community and in schools.”