CHILDREN have been left ‘vomiting on each other’ in a sickness outbreak, outraged parents have claimed.
They report that the school has not “deep-cleaned” despite hygiene being the best way to prevent the spread of a bug.
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The sickness swept through Telscombe Cliffs Academy in Telscombe Cliffs, Peacehaven, East Sussex.
Speaking to The Argus, parents have criticised the school’s response, saying there had been a lack of communication.
The school said its pupils’ health was of the “utmost importance” and that it had by now updated parents of the more than 500-pupil school.
It also said it had implemented increased cleaning measures.
Some 28 pupils are off sick, it said.
It is feared the bug spreading is norovirus, often referred to as the ‘winter vomiting bug’.
The stomach bug causes symptoms like vomiting and diarrhoea.
The NHS said if your child is sick with norovirus they should be off school until they have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least two days, which is when they are most infectious.
The same goes for adults and work.
One furious parent, who did not wish to be named, told The Argus “children are vomiting in classrooms, vomiting on others and being left with sick bowls”.
She said: “Despite this school has still not been closed for deep cleaning.
“This is a serious outbreak and there has been no communication from the school.”
Another parent said: “The school haven’t notified parents; they haven’t shut classrooms, and they haven’t improved any cleaning.
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“Kids threw up on others in class and only the ones actively vomiting were sent home; the ones covered in sick were told to clean themselves up, they are only six year olds.
“Kids have been throwing up in assembly, the same hall where they all eat.
“I think it’s disgusting that parents haven’t been made aware and that the school hasn’t closed for a deep clean!”
The parent said that they did not want their baby to become unwell.
A spokesperson for the Academy said: “The health, safety and wellbeing of our pupils and staff is of the utmost importance, and we take any illness very seriously.
“As with schools across the country at this time of year, members of our community may experience seasonal illnesses.
“To prevent and manage these occurrences we have taken the appropriate preventative measures in line with national guidelines to ensure our school site remains a safe and productive learning environment for all.
“These include encouraging all pupils and staff to regularly wash their hands, ensuring touch points are cleaned frequently and asking families to follow NHS guidelines regarding attendance.”
What to do if you think you have norovirus – and when to call 999
If you think you have norovirus, stay hydrated, rest, and eat bland foods when you feel better.
Wash hands often, disinfect surfaces, and avoid contact with others until 48 hours after symptoms stop.
Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe or prolonged.
When it comes to treatment, focus on staying hydrated with water or electrolyte drinks.
Rest as much as possible. Eat bland foods like toast or crackers, rice, pasta.
For symptom relief, consult your doctor about over-the-counter options. Symptoms should go away in one to three days.
If you or your child experiences the following, you should call 999 or go to A&E:
- vomit blood or have vomit that looks like ground coffee
- have green vomit (adults)
- have yellow-green or green vomit (children)
- might have swallowed something poisonous
- have a stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights
- have a sudden, severe headache or stomach ache
Source: Dr Bruno Silvester Lopes, Lecturer in Microbiology at Teesside University and NHS
