School authorities have been in close touch with Daniel's parents

Children returning to class following the disappearance of their school friend Daniel Entwistle are being reassured of their own safety.

Keith Egleton, Daniel's headteacher at Greenacre First, Middle and Nursery School, said staff had planned to give its 447 pupils as normal a day as possible.

Since year three pupil Daniel, aged seven, disappeared on Saturday, Mr Egleton has kept the school open and walked the streets of the Barrack estate providing a listening ear for residents.

Mr Egleton said: "My prime concern is for the family and we as a school want to provide them with as much support as we can.

Counselling for pupils

"We also want to provide a facility for the community should they want a place to come and be together.

He said trained counsellors from Norfolk local education authority would be available to talk to pupils.

And Daniel's disappearance was the main topic of an assembly on Tuesday.

Mr Egleton said: "He's a little boy of whom we are enormously fond, because he is friendly and is constantly speaking to staff and is very engaging.

"I just want him to turn up - I just want him to be found safe and with his mum and dad again and we want him back at school."