A primary school has had to send a large number of pupils home after a sickness outbreak.

Children from Great Chart Primary School near Ashford started experiencing "flu-like" symptoms yesterday, with special measures being used to reduce the risk of spreading.

A woman whose niece and nephew attend the school said that nearly "a third of the school had been sent home today".

Despite her suggestion it was norovirus, Public Health England has denied this.

A spokesman for the health body said: "Public Health England (PHE) South East has been notified of a number of pupils with flu-like symptoms at Great Chart Primary School, Ashford.

"Letters have been sent to parents advising of signs and symptoms to look out for and ways to help reduce the spread of the illness."

Great Chart Primary has since clarified that 50 pupils were absent in total, with 11 being sent home by the school.

Head teacher Wendy Pang said: “After a number of our pupils were reported to have been suffering flu-like symptoms, the school contacted Public Health England for advice.

"I sent a letter from Public Health England to all our parents/carers asking them to keep their children at home if they are exhibiting the symptoms to avoid transmitting the virus to other pupils. We will be talking to children about the importance of handwashing and other things they can do to promote good hygiene.

"The safety and well-being of all our pupils and staff is of paramount importance and we will take all measures necessary to ensure they can learn and work in a safe and healthy environment.”

Dr Claire Winslade, consultant in health protection at PHE South East, had advice for any parents who have ill children.

She said: “There are a number of viruses which can cause an influenza (flu)-like illness and at present, the flu virus itself is not circulating widely in the community.

"The best advice is to rest, keep warm and drink plenty of water." - Dr Claire Winsdale, health protection at PHE South East

“However, it is important that children stay at home if they have flu-like symptoms - sudden fever of 38C or greater, a cough, sore throat, runny nose, limb/joint pain or headache, and do not mix with others outside the home if they have symptoms.

"The best advice is to rest, keep warm and drink plenty of water. We also recommend taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower a high temperature and relieve aches if necessary.

"Most children will have a relatively mild illness, and will recover at home without needing treatment. However, if a child has a complex medical history it is important they are assessed by a GP if they develop fever and flu-like symptoms."

Read more: All the latest news from Ashford

To keep up-to-date with all the latest developments with your local hospitals and other health stories, click here.