Nightingale Primary School in Ashbourne Avenue has partially re-opened after legionella bacteria was found in its water supply.

Children had to be sent home on Monday after routine testing found the bacteria in two of the school’s water outlets.

Pupils from Year five and six have been able to return today but the school remains closed to other years groups.

The bacteria can lead to Legionnaires’ disease - a serious lung infection and can be caught by breathing in droplets of contaminated water.

Large buildings such as schools and hospitals are most vulnerable to legionella contamination.

A statement on the school’s website read: The works to remove legionella bacteria from the school’s water system have been concluded and the school is waiting for official test results that will allow all pupils to return to school as normal.

“In the meantime, in order to reduce the disruption to parents and to children’s education, the school will open to years five and six who will be able to use hand sanitisers to wash their hands.

“In addition to this learning and support assistants from the school’s other year groups will be present to ensure that pupils in Year five and six are given an extra level of supervision and to ensure that they do not come into contact with the school’s water system.

“We believe this is the right decision as it allows us to ensure the welfare of students in the school while reducing the disruption to students and staff.”

Do you have a child that attends the school? Get in touch on 0208 477 3858.