PARENTS who deliberately withhold healthy children from schools with cases of swine flu could face prosecution, the council has warned.

At least three schools in Redbridge have reported outbreaks of the potentially deadly virus within recent weeks, but they have remained open on the advice of the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

The body argues closing schools will bring no extra benefits to the community, as the virus is already "circulating at the large" in the borough.

Meanwhile some schools have urged parents not to pull pupils from lessons if they are showing no signs of being unwell.

Staff at Woodbridge High School in Woodford Green have told parents they expect "full attendance" despite one pupil being diagnosed with the virus.

A council spokesman said: "In terms of unauthorised absence the council asks that schools do not authorise leaves of absence, such as holidays, during term time unless in the most exceptional of circumstances.

"Any other unauthorised absence in the first instance should be challenged by the school and thereafter an Education Welfare Officer (EWO) would follow up the case if there was no improvement.

"In certain circumstances the EWO would try to meet with parents to discuss a reintegration package into school and if there were no improvements over a prolonged period then, as a last resort, legal action could be taken."

Are you a parent with a child at a school with reported cases of swine flu? Are worried about the spread of the virus? Contact reporter Daniel Binns on 0779 547 6625 or via email at dbinns@london.newsquest.co.uk