A SCHOOL in Bude has been forced to close due to rising cases of flu.

Budehaven Community School has announced that for the next two days (December 11 and 12), students will be learning remotely following consultation with the UK Health Security Agency.

The school has said the decision has come following a ‘careful risk assessment’ amid rising cases of influenza among students and staff.

Mr D Wilkes, headteacher at the school released a statement this afternoon (December 10) following the decision.

He said: “Following a careful Risk Assessment regarding the current unprecedented and increasing incidences of Influenza (Flu) and Group A Streptococcus infection amongst our pupil, Sixth Form student, and staff populations, we have consulted with Cornwall Council leaders, the school’s Chair and Vice Chairs of Governors, and the UK Health Security Agency regarding the situation.

“In order to mitigate the risk of further infection, it has been agreed by Cornwall Council and the Chair of Governors that we will move to a Remote Curriculum for all year groups for Thursday and Friday this week, December 11 and 12, using SPARX English, maths and science for Key Stages 3 and 4, and appropriate work will be set for Sixth Form students by teachers. This will mean that all pupils, and Sixth Form students will be working from home for the next two days.

“A communication will be sent out this afternoon regarding how to access our remote learning provision.

“We hope that this measure, that has not been taken lightly, and has been taken following guidance from UKHSA, will help to reduce the spread of illness. We intend to return to the normal in-school learning provision on Monday, December 15.”

Entering the winter period, the UK Health and Security Agency has advised that those experiencing flu symptoms should ‘try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people’ until they no longer have a high temperature or until they no longer feel unwell.