Two schools in east Leeds have been forced to close after staff and pupils were struck down with norovirus.
Leeds East Academy in Seacroft will be closed today and tomorrow (November 29) for an "enhanced cleaning regime" to be carried out to protect staff and students from the highly contagious illness.
Neighbouring Parklands Primary has also decided to close following advice from the Health Protection Agency.
A statement on the Leeds East Academy website said an increasing number of staff and students had been affected by Norovirus symptoms since the start of the week.
On Wednesday the number of sick staff and schoolchildren rose to a level where "the appropriate course of action is to close the academy".
The school said: "We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience that this decision may cause to our community. This decision has not been taken lightly but as our school community will know, our first priority is the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff.
"Since the start of the week, the brilliant cleaning team at the academy have been implementing an enhanced cleaning regime across the school and this will continue to take place while the academy is closed."
The Academy plans to reopen on Monday December 2 but is advising parents to keep an eye on the school website and social media channels, and said a text would be sent to parents if plans change.
What is Norovirus?
Norovirus, also known as the 'winter vomiting bug', is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea.
Symptoms include nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting, while those affected can also suffer from high temperatures of 38C and above, headaches and aching arms and legs.
Symptoms usually last for two to three days - advice on treatment can be found at www.nhs.uk/conditions/norovirus.
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