Over the summer, local authorities and health services across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have been working together to ensure schools have the latest information regarding swine flu.

Some reports early in the summer suggested local authorities across the country were considering mass school closures in an attempt to limit the spread of Swine Flu.

However, up-to-date scientific advice from the government is that individual school closures are of limited benefit in stopping the spread of the disease and the expert medical advice is that there is no good reason for schools not to open as usual.

All schools on the Isle of Wight have now opened their doors following the summer holidays this week.

Closure will only be considered as a last resort if there are significant numbers of children or staff absent through sickness, and all alternatives to keep premises open have been exhausted.

It is still essential that adults or children with flu-like symptoms should stay away until they are free of symptoms and they are urged to contact the national pandemic Flu Service on 0800 1 513 513 or at

For more information on Swine Flu you can visit: www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu for more advice and information.www.nhs.uk or www.iwight.com Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth City Council, Southampton City Council and Isle of Wight Council – and the NHS have produced an information pack to schools to help them with their planning and so that key health messages can be communicated to parents and carers. This pack is being made available to schools on the Isle of Wight online.