Blackpool special school to close doors amid coronavirus outbreak

Neill Oldham, head teacher at Highfurlong School on Blackpool Old Road, said: "I have had to make the very difficult decision to close the school from tomorrow for all pupils. I have not made this decision lightly. Over the coming days and weeks we cannot staff the school adequately to meet the needs and safety of the pupils. I assure you this deicison has been made with the welfare of all pupils in mind.

"I have informed the local authority we will be closed until further notice due to the coronavirus situation. We will respond to the daily guidance provided by the government and will reopen as soon as we possibly can."

Pupils at the school will be provided with work packs to complete while the closure is in place.

Children who are elligible for free school meals will be able to pick up a packed lunch at the school reception each day.