Several schools in Bahrain are offering online services to help pupils catch up on coursework until they return to classes.

Some are also giving students assignments to complete at home to ensure they do not fall too far behind.

Most schools were due to re-open today but were ordered to remain closed because of swine flu fears.

Health and Education ministries last week announced a decision to close all secondary schools until October 4, intermediate until October 11, primary until October 18 and kindergartens and special needs centres until November 1.

Schools trying to overcome potential curriculum delays include the New Millennium School, which has launched online teaching facilities for grades nine to 12.

Teachers will be available online from Tuesday with their regular timetable.

E-mail addresses for teachers are available on the school website at www.nms.edu.bh.

Meanwhile, parents of pupils studying at Sacred Heart School's junior and senior section are requested to collect assignments and study materials from the school tomorrow or on Tuesday from 8am to noon.

Officials have requested that children are not brought to the school.

St Christopher's School has already given work to its junior students and appointments can be made with teachers for those needing further help.

The Asian School has decided to implement several steps to avoid the spread of swine flu, in line with advice from the Health and Education Ministries.

School staff will check the temperature of every student and staff member on arrival and parents have been asked to check the temperature of their child before sending them to school and equip them with tissues, sanitizers and face masks.

It says if their temperature is above normal or if they are suffering from fever, cough or cold they should be taken to the nearest health centre.

In such cases pupils will then be required to present the school with a medical certificate to prove they do not have swine flu.

The Indian School has adopted similar procedures and will be checking the temperature of each student at the bus stop outside its grounds using a thermo flash by medical staff or a teacher.

Those using private transport will also be checked at the school gates before entering.

The school has requested parents to check their children's temperature daily before sending them to school.

If the child has a fever or cough they should be sent to a health centre and also provide a medical certificate to prove they have been given the all clear.-TradeArabia News Service