21/03/13 Floral tributes - Outwoods Primary, HorninglowFloral tributes in memory of boy who died from Outwoods primary school....PUPILS and teachers at a Burton primary school have been left in shock after a nine-year-old boy died just hours after falling ill.
Tributes have been paid to Lee Tomlinson, a Year Five pupil at Outwoods Primary School, in Harehedge Lane, Horninglow, who passed away on Monday night.
It is understood the youngster became unwell during lessons and worried staff called for an ambulance.
He was rushed to hospital in a bid to discover what was wrong with him but just hours later the budding footballer died.
The full circumstances of his death have yet to be established.
Headteacher Lesley Wells said: “Lee was extremely popular with pupils and staff alike.
“He was a talented footballer and artist and was doing extremely well at school.
“He will be widely missed and our thoughts are with the whole family, especially his mum and dad, older brothers and younger sister, who is a pupil at the school.
“Our school counsellor and an educational psychologist will be on hand to provide support to pupils or staff over the coming days and weeks.
“We also plan to hold a memorial service to allow pupils to come together with Lee’s family to celebrate his life in the coming months.”
Yesterday, floral tributes were left outside the school gates as youngsters and parents struggled to come to terms with the tragedy.
Lessons continued as normal but experts were on hand to help with anyone struggling to come to deal with the loss.
All parents have been informed of Lee’s death and offered expert advice on how to support children trying to deal with grief and loss.
In a letter to parents (inset above), Mrs Wells added: “The full circumstances of his death are not yet fully known.
“Your child might be upset by this news. At school, your child will be able to talk to their class teacher.
“However, your child may want to talk to you about Lee.
“Our thoughts, at this tragic and very sad time, are with Lee’s family and friends.”
Anyone who has been affected by Lee’s death is urged to call the Child Death Helpline on 0800 282986.
