Two UK schools have been closed as tests take place to see if deadly absestos has been present in play sand used in classrooms. The closure of Beacon Hill in Wallsend and Silverdale in Howdon schools in North Tyneside come follonig a national product recall of almost 40 items sold by supermarkets and high street stores.

It is understood that the tests at Silverdale have come back negative and the school is expected to reopen tomorrow, Friday May 15. Results from Beacon Hill are awaited. North Tyneside Council has confirmed that two schools are closed, while a third has had partial classroom closures but has re-opened.

Council representatives said officials had acted "immediately" to help schools limit access to areas where play sand was used.

The Health and Safety Executive and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is helping support the council's response. It is believed that the play sand has been purchased at reputable high street retailers.

Leading retailers including Tesco, Primark, Matalan, Smyths Toys, The Entertainer, Aldi, Argos, Asda and M&S have all recalled the toys after they were found to contain the substance.

Beacon Hill parents received an email from headteacher Justina Terretta yesterday, May, 13 confirming the potential asbestos risk. The email added that that this is a "national issue" affecting several educational establishments.

The full email read: "I am writing to inform you that the school in Wallsend and the sixth form site at Balliol will be closed for the next two days while we await the results of samples taken from sand on the school site following concerns about a potential asbestos risk.

"This is a national issue affecting a number of schools and settings, including some locally within the region. We are working closely with North Tyneside Council, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), and other agencies following a product recall relating to play sand and the potential presence of asbestos.

"The safety and wellbeing of children and staff is our top priority and, as such, we are undertaking additional precautionary measures, including room closures where play sand is present, to ensure additional protection. The school closure implemented will be in line with expert and national guidance."

After receiving the news parents of children at affected schools told ChronicleLive they had a number of unanswered questions.

One mum said: "We all want to know how long has North Tyneside Council known about this? Why were our children given this sand to play with? Have any of them digested this sand?"

Rebecca Wall, director of children’s services at North Tyneside Council, said "the overall risk to health is low".

Ms Wall said: “Keeping pupils and staff safe is our top priority, and we take this responsibility extremely seriously.

“Earlier this week, we became aware of wider concerns linked to a national product recall involving play sand and the potential presence of asbestos. We acted immediately to support schools in temporarily restricting access to areas where play sand is used, providing reassurance while further checks are carried out.

“Temporarily closing schools is never a decision we take lightly. However, due to the significant quantities of play sand on site at Beacon Hill and Silverdale Schools and following guidance from the Health and Safety Executive, we have advised that both schools temporarily close as a precautionary measure.

“I want to reassure parents, pupils, and staff that advice from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicates the overall risk to health is low. However, we are committed to following national guidance and taking a cautious, safety-first approach.

“We continue to work closely with the UK Health Security Agency and other national partners to ensure a coordinated and precautionary response.”