A HUNDRED and fifty pupils at Winchmore School are reported to be off sick because it is feared they could be suffering from swine flu.

According to a letter sent out to parents by the headteacher Lesley Mansbridge, a Year 7 and Year 10 pupil have the virus.

The letter says: “Their symptoms include high temperature, streaming eyes, sore throat, coughing and aching limbs. The doctor has put them on a course of Tamiflu and they will remain off until the doctor confirms they are able to return to school.”

However, a mother of a 14-year-old pupil of the secondary school, in Laburnam Grove, Palmers Green, claimed there were 150 pupils absent.

The parent, who asked not be named, said: “I think it is disgusting they are keeping the school open with so many off and that they have not told us.”

A member of staff at the school, who also did not want to be named, said 150 pupils were off sick and there were 16 confirmed cases.

He claimed: “The head is burying her head in the sand. I think everyone should be told. It is not fair on the parents teachers or pupils. It’s out of order.”

The letter, dated Friday, June 26, says: “The advice for parents is not to panic as this is a mild strain of swine flu. However, if your child has any flu-like symptoms, please keep them at home and contact your GP or NHS Direct by phone. Due to the high number of cases in London, doctors are no longer testing for swine flu.

“Please be assured that we will continue to do all we can to reduce the possibilities of further infection in school, including antibacterial hand wash in toilets, and regular cleaning of door handles as this is one of the main means of transmission. It would be helpful if you could ensure your child comes to school with a pack of tissues and a travel-size bottle of antibacterial hand gel.”

Enfield Council is refusing to confirm details of how many pupils were off sick and which schools were affected because of the “changing nature of the situation”.

A spokeswoman said the council was deferring to the Primary Care Trust, which has also not released any information on the specific number of confirmed or suspected cases.