A BURNHAM-on-Sea school has reopened today after it was forced to close following an outbreak of a sickness bug. 

Staff at Burnham Infants School on Winchester Road sent text messages to parents on Friday (November 26) asking them to collect their children after more than 50 children fell ill. 

The school's headteacher, Janet Sadiq sent a letter to parents on Friday (November 26) in which she defended the school's sickness policy . 

The letter said: "As you will all be aware, we have had a significant number of children picking up a sickness bug over the last week.

"This is very common at this time of year and those parents who have older children will be aware that this has occurred at Burnham Infants in the past and usually once or twice a year.

"The fact that we have been trialling a 24 hour return to school policy (provided your child is well enough) has not definitely contributed to more cases this year, however we will be reverting back to our previous policy of 48 hours with immediate effect.

"Therefore, children should not return to school until 48 hours after the last episode of sickness.

"I hope that parents/carers who had previously felt that 48 hours was too long, will understand the need for us to strictly adhere to this.

"I would also like to reassure everyone that we have very high hygiene and cleaning standards.

" Our most recent cleaning inspection from County, which took place earlier this week, indicated outstanding standards.

"We are though taking the opportunity today to give the school an extra clean. I fully appreciate the concerns that many parents/carers have had over the last few weeks about the 24 hour return policy and apologise for any distress or inconvenience that this may have caused.

"We always have the best interests of all the children and their families at the heart of everything we do."