Children unable to attend school due to anxiety or illness could be taught at an empty primary school in Witham.

Chipping Hill School in Church Street has been vacant since earlier this year, when the school moved to a new building in Owers Road.

An Essex County Council spokesman said: “Essex County Council is currently investigating the re-use of the property for alternative education and children centred services.

“We anticipate the outcome of the investigations being reported by the end of October so that a decision on the property can be taken before the end of the year."