Primary school closes until next week to stop illness spreading

Friday, 22 November 2019 16:00

A primary school has been forced to close after a flu-like virus has spread amongst pupils and staff.

Burley Oaks Primary School in Burley-in-Wharfedale has revealed it will remain closed until Monday in an attempt to prevent the illness from spreading further.

Speaking on the decision, the school’s headteacher, Claire Lee, said she had no choice but to put in place the "extreme measure".

Early reports have indicated that the virus has affected more than 100 pupils and staff.

Regarding the closure of the school, Ms Lee said: "Unfortunately the school, with the permission of Bradford Council, has had to take the step of closing until next week due to an outbreak of a flu-like virus.

"We have taken steps to limit the infection that include carrying out deep cleans, limiting contact between year groups to stop cross infection and closing after school clubs.

"However, we are still seeing children and staff become ill in large numbers.

"We really did not want to have to take this extreme measure and I am extremely sorry for the inconvenience that I know this will cause families; we really have no choice."

The school is a mixed state school for children aged between five and 11, with a capacity for 420 pupils.

More from Local and National News

Millions of Tenants Protected Under New Awaab’s Law Reforms

From 27 October, new housing safety rules known as Awaab’s Law come into force — compelling social landlords to fix emergency hazards within 24 hours and protect millions of tenants from dangerous conditions like black mould.
Bradford Expands ‘New York’ Style Housing First Approach to Tackle Homelessness

Bradford Council is expanding its successful Housing First programme — inspired by New York and proven in Finland — to offer ten more places, helping more people with complex needs move from homelessness into stable, supported housing.
Kensington Palace Marks 150th Birthday of Punjabi Princess and Suffragette Sophia Duleep Singh

A major new exhibition, The Last Princesses of Punjab, will open at Kensington Palace on 26 March 2026 to celebrate the 150th birthday of Princess Sophia Duleep Singh — the trailblazing Punjabi royal and suffragette — exploring the lives of the remarkable women who shaped her story.
SENDIVERSE Festival Unites Bradford Through Creativity and Inclusion

A celebration of creativity and belonging, The Leap’s SENDIVERSE Festival brought together over 1,700 people across Bradford for a series of inclusive arts and cultural events designed with and for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
Appeal After Man Seriously Injured in Burnley Collision

Police are appealing for information after a man in his 20s was seriously injured in a crash on Crown Point Road, Burnley.
Bradford Police Seize 93 Weapons as Knife Crime Falls

A weapons amnesty in Bradford led to 93 knives and weapons being taken off the streets, contributing to a major drop in youth knife crime.
Multibillion Economic Vision for Leeds to Create 100,000 Jobs

Leeds has unveiled a £20 billion economic plan aiming to create 100,000 new jobs and boost key sectors including finance, tech, and health.
Building at Bradford Royal Infirmary Renamed in Honour of Renowned Surgeon

Bradford Royal Infirmary has renamed the Listening for Life Centre after pioneering ear surgeon Professor Chris Raine MBE, who has restored hearing for hundreds across the North of England.
Airedale Nurse Shortlisted for National Neonatal Award

Airedale NHS Foundation Trust nurse Chloe Taylor has been named a finalist for Neonatal Nurse of the Year, recognising her work supporting families through trauma-informed care.
Sowerby Bridge’s New Community Hub Opens to Praise

A new town square has opened in Sowerby Bridge, transforming the former market site into a welcoming space for events, markets and community life.
Bradford Council Offers Compromise on Ilkley Parking Plans

Following strong opposition to proposed parking changes in Ilkley, Bradford Council has put forward a revised plan that keeps a free one-hour option in parts of the town.
Police and Council Step Up Action on Anti-Social Behaviour

West Yorkshire Police and Wakefield Council are intensifying efforts to crack down on crime and anti-social behaviour through a joint taskforce and new enforcement measures.

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

The Golden Era

The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm
Bhangra Nights

Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm
Legal Show

Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.
Remix Saturdays

Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm