WORRIED parents have criticised schools in Southend, saying they have not been getting information about cases of swine flu.

This week, the Echo published a list of 11 schools in the borough where there have been cases of the disease, after Southend Council gave us the list.

But some parents at the affected schools have since said they had no idea about what was going on.

Lindsey Walsh, 26, whose daughter goes to Chalkwell Hall Junior School, said she and other parents were angry they had received no notification from the school about any suspected or confirmed cases.

She said: “We have received no letters at all. We found out through the Echo.

“The school told us it was just one case that hasn’t been confirmed, and they couldn’t say which year group the child is in.

“There’s been no reassurance to us as parents at all.”

When approached by the Echo, the school said it was referring all inquiries to Southend Council.

Meanwhile, parents at Hamstel School said they are keeping their children off for the last few days of term.

One mum, who did not want to be named, said: “I’ve kept my son off school, as I don’t want to risk it.”

Temple Sutton Primary School in Southend, and Earls Hall Junior School in Westcliff, are the latest to be affected with seven confirmed cases of swine flu between them.

Letters were sent out on Tuesday informing parents, and many decided to keep their children away from school for the rest of term.

Headteacher Frank Gulley said: “We have seven confirmed cases and all those children are off school. We’re open as normal with staff in.

“Some parents have chosen to keep their children off school as well as it’s near the end of term and they don’t want them infected at school.

“A child dying in London was a worry for many people and until it’s explained, people will worry, probably unduly, but it’s understandable.”

The Echo asked Southend Council why parents had not been informed of the swine flu cases.

Corporate director for children and learning Paul Greenhalgh said in a statement: “The situation regarding swine flu in schools is changing on a day-by-day basis. In this context our advice, and that of the Government and the Health Protection Agency, is that parents should send their children to school, unless they are unwell.

“We have consistently followed national guidelines. Within those we respect the principle of transparency subject to not causing unnecessary worry.”