Teacher and council chiefs' tribute to girl, 5, who dies at school

Police were called to St Matthew’s C of E Primary School, Ivy House Road, West Bowling, at 2pm on Thursday 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.

In the letter to parents and carers, published yesterday 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.

“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.

“Some pupils may feel shocked and upset by the news, while others may be confused or numb. These reactions are all normal.

“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.”

St Matthew's C of E Primary School in West Bowling

Bradford Council chiefs paid their condolences to the girl’s family, adding the local authority is supporting her family and the school’s pupils and staff, following the death.

Kersten England, Bradford Council chief executive, said: “This is such tragic news.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and school community.

“We are doing all we can to assist the school in supporting the family, pupils and staff following this devastating loss.”

Local councillors expressed their shock at the girl’s death, adding support for the school’s pupils and staff will be important.

Councillor Sabiya Khan (Lab, Wibsey) sent her condolences to the girl’s family, adding it was hard to comprehend what they must be going through.

She said: “It’s very heartbreaking.

“I’m also mindful of the impact that this will have on the other children at the school and the other members of staff at the school.

“You can’t comprehend waving a child off to school in the morning, and for you not to see them again. My heart goes out to the girl’s family.”

Cllr Ralph Berry (Lab, Wibsey) said: “It’s really shocking for this to happen at a school in our ward.

“It’s thoroughly shocking for this to happen to a child of this age.

“We, as Wibsey councillors, express our profound sympathies.”

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman confirmed the girl’s family were also receiving support from officers.

He said: “The family are being supported by specially trained officers during this incredibly difficult time. There are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”