A HEADTEACHER has paid tribute to a ‘happy, bubbly and friendly’ five-year-old girl who died following a medical episode at school.

Police were called to St Matthew's C of E Primary School, Ivy House Road, West Bowling, yesterday at 2pm following reports of a child suffering from a medical episode.

The girl was taken to hospital by ambulance, but died a short time later, a West Yorkshire Police spokesman confirmed.

There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.

In the letter to parents and carers, published today on the school’s website, headteacher Mel Saville wrote: “Your child’s class teacher had the sad task of informing the children of the death of a child from our school community.

“She was a happy, bubbly, friendly member of the school community and will be missed by everyone who knew her.

“When someone dies, young people may experience many different feelings, such as sadness or anger. Some pupils may feel shocked and upset by the news, while others may be confused or numb. These reactions are all normal.

“We have tried to answer their questions in school, using age-appropriate and honest language. For more information about speaking to children and young people about death, visit the Child Bereavement UK website childbereavementuk.org “We have called on support from the Educational Psychology team at Bradford Local Authority as well as ensuring trained professionals and a Chaplain have been there to support children and staff.

“This support will continue over the coming days in order to support the community.

“Our thoughts are with the family and would ask that you respect their privacy at this time.”