North West London Jewish Day School have told parents to keep their children home if they travelled to certain areas of Northern Italy during half term.

The JC believes that some of the parents have ignored this warning, and sent their children in anyway.

In an email to parents on Wednesday, the school said they were aware that some families had travelled to the region and that it was “absolutely essential” that parents pay close attention to the government advice.

If the families had travelled back from “category 1” areas, mainly in the Lombardy region, they should stay indoors and avoid contact with others, even without symptoms of the virus, the school said.

If they had travelled to “category 2” areas – defined in Italy as anywhere north of (but not including) Pisa and Florence – then they should only avoid school if showing symptoms of the virus.

The school added that hand sanitisers and tissue boxes had been placed in all classrooms and common areas, and any child displaying cold- or flu-like symptoms would be sent home.

One parent, who wished not to be named, told the JC: “I was really shocked when we got this message. My first thought was: 'How could someone be so irresponsible to let their child come in and potentially infect 200 other kids?’

“My second thought was that the school should immediately send such children home – and should haul the parents concerned over the coals. 

“We’ve had no update as yet so it’s quite concerning. We assume the school has it all under control – at least I hope they do.”

Despite repeated requests for confirmation and clarification, no one at the school was available for comment.