Derbyshire sickness outbreak school reopens

A Derbyshire primary school which was closed last week after a major outbreak of a sickness and diarrhoea bug has reopened.
St John's Primary School, Belper. Photo - Google Maps.St John's Primary School, Belper. Photo - Google Maps.
St John's Primary School, Belper. Photo - Google Maps.

St John’s CE Primary School on Laund Nook in Belper was closed after 87 children and three staff were taken ill in just two days.

The outbreak first came to light after 48 children were absent from school on Wednesday May 18.

After being deep cleaned overnight, the school reopened on Thursday 19 with a further 38 children absent and, after another child became ill at school later that day, the decision was made to close the school on Friday May 20.

The school’s headteacher, Roger Averis, said: “Following a deep clean of the school on Friday May 20 and Saturday May 21 we are looking forward to returning to normal on Monday.

“The cleaning team have ensured that all surfaces have been deep cleaned with the recommended chlorine based solution as well as cleaning all carpets with industrial carpet cleaners.

“If your child has not had any sickness or diarrhoea episodes since Saturday morning we look forward to welcoming them back to school tomorrow.

“Unfortunately any children that are still ill and have suffered from sickness or diarrhoea are not allowed to come to school for 48 hours since their last episode.”

A leading law firm is now recommending a ‘thorough investigation’ of the outbreak.

Amandeep Dhillon, a partner and expert public health lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Due to the number of young people falling ill, it is clear that many people will be seeking answers and it is vital the parents of those affected understand what caused their children’s illnesses.”