PUPILS and staff affected by the death of Helen Mann are being supported to cope with the shock news by specialists from Worcestershire County Council.

John Edwards, the county council’s head of learning and achievement, said: “During this sad and difficult time, the council has been working closely to support staff and the school community.

"Senior officers, including educational psychologists, are in school working to ensure support is in place for both pupils and staff over the coming days.

“The eduction psychologist was in the school yesterday offering support to its senior management team. They will also be taught coping mechansims to help pupils deal with the incident.”

Mr Edwards said a local headteacher, who has not been named, will offer help to the school leadership team in the short term.

He said: “Together with the governing body we aim to get the school back open as soon as possible so that support can be provided to those that need it while offering a structure of normality.”

The school, which also moved to cancel all after-school activities for children, is expected to re-open tomorrow.

A spokesman for the council said it was looking to reopen the school as soon as possible, to retain a sense of normality for pupils.