Self-isolating pupils at a Covid-hit school have been told they should return to lessons three days before the end of term.
Parents were warned on Monday that a Year 9 pupil at Whitley Bay High School has tested positive for the virus, just days after an outbreak in Year 10.
In a letter seen by ChronicleLive, the youngsters have been told to isolate until July 12, and return to school the following day.
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The school's summer term finishes on July 16.
As cases continue to rise rapidly across the region, one parent told ChronicleLive that they believe the school should "close" for the rest of the term to reduce the risk of children having to isolate during their six week break.
"My child only returned from self-isolating a few weeks ago and now self-isolating again," said the parent, who asked not to be named.
"(Surely) it would be better to close the school for the rest of the term rather than risking children back for a few days with potential of having to self-isolate again during school holidays.
"These children are missing out on so much as they are constantly being asked to isolate."
But Whitley Bay High School headteacher Steve Wilson disagreed.
He said that just three out of 370 Year 9 pupils have tested positive for coronavirus, with a further 23 students self-isolating.
He said: "I understand the concerns about having to self-isolate, especially if they have holidays booked.
"But I have to balance that against the fact pupils have missed so much face-to-face teaching.
"I can't really sanction more face-to-face teaching being missed."
He added: "In terms of any idea of shutting down early for all students, that is not going to happen unless there is a sudden increase in cases."
According to the latest Government figures, six of the ten most infected parts of the country are in the North East.
